The Minister is aware that the Latvian Government is very critical of the Irish State because it seems to think we facilitate sham marriages with Latvian girls here in the Republic. I understand that the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 has been published, however, I am told that in order to prevent these sham marriages which are of concern to the Latvians and to us we need to activate sections of that Act. When, as a nation, will we put an end to these disgraceful sham marriages occurring in quite substantial numbers in the Republic?

The Act was enacted by the Oireachtas on 4 December last. The Deputy is referring to the need for commencement orders in respect of various aspects of that legislation. I will have to check that with the Tánaiste and the Department of Social Protection and I will respond to the Deputy when I do so.