283 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a marriage certificate from a church wedding is being refused by the Passport Office as a source of identification, whereas a certificate from a civil ceremony is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16166/06]

The position is that a civil rather than a religious certificate is required for passport application purposes. However, I understand that the Passport Office is prepared to examine, in a sympathetic manner, any individual case where this may lead to particular difficulties.