Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Marriage Act 2015" in English language version.
The Dáil and Seanad is [sic] not sitting and the Oireachtas has cancelled all committee meetings for the day as a mark of respect to Garda Golden.
A debate on [a Fianna Fáil motion] was due to begin this evening with discussion on the Marriage Bill due beforehand. But last night the government abruptly changed its agenda for the day - and now plans to have the Dáil spend three hours debating a motion of confidence in itself.
As Deputies will be aware, the Bill requires that an applicant for gender recognition is single, pending the outcome of the referendum on same-sex marriage that is due to take place in May of this year. I accept that this is not ideal. The existing constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage is a blockage in this respect. I am happy to confirm that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has agreed that the marriage Bill, which will be enacted if the referendum is passed by the people, will include provisions to amend this legislation to remove the requirement to be single.
I estimate that it should be possible to commence the Bill within a fortnight of its enactment. This brief period is necessary to enable the registrar to contact couples who have civil partnership ceremonies planned to ascertain whether they wish to proceed with a civil partnership or marry instead.
