Courts to lose power to allow marriages of under-18s

The Government is set to introduce primary legislation removing the ability of courts to allow under 18s to marry in Ireland in certain circumstances.

Tánaiste Joan Burton and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald have received approval from the Cabinet for legislation repealing section 33 of the Family Law Act 1995, which allows for both of the parties to an intended marriage to apply to a court for an exemption from the age restriction.

Tánaiste Burton said: “It is my considered opinion that the exemption should be removed as a child welfare measure.

“Marriage carries significant implications for a potential spouse, implications which can be life-long in nature. The dissolution of a marriage takes a minimum of four years.

“Persons getting married should have the maturity to understand the implications of their actions, and a person under 18 may not have the necessary maturity to marry.”

She added: “Underage marriage is also inconsistent with national policy objectives to reduce the instance of early school leaving.”