Embassy Marriages 'Illegal'

Thousands of foreign couples who conducted their marriage services at their country’s embassies in the Republic over the past three years are being told their marriages are invalid and illegal. Last week, the General Register Office wrote to all foreign embassies informing them marriages performed by diplomatic missions were not recognised as marriages unless they conformed to Irish law. The note said marriages would not be legal unless they were performed by an authorised registrar and took place in a registered building which was open to the public. The problem has sparked a diplomatic row between the Government and several EU states, which have asked Spain – current holder of the EU presidency – to mediate on their behalf. The decision by the Government also affects the citizens of non-EU states, whose embassies conduct marriage ceremonies.

Audit Of Child Sex Abuse Begins

A two-year audit into child sex abuse allegations in every Catholic diocese in the country will begin within weeks. It comes after bishops agreed procedures for the inquiry, which will investigate allegations against priests, missionary societies and members of religious orders. The National Board for the Safeguarding of Children in the Catholic Church said it is now a matter of prioritising current and future risks to children.

Gardaí Investigate Rape In Public Toilet

Gardaí have launched an investigation after a woman was raped in a public toilet in Kanturk, north Cork, at around 4pm yesterday. It is believed the victim - who's in her thirties - was attacked as she entered the toilet by a man who was lying in wait inside. He fled on foot afterwards and the young woman managed to raise the alarm through a passer-by. She was treated by experts at the sexual assault treatment unit at the South Infirmary Hospital in Cork, as Gardaí launched a full investigation. A man in his 30s is being questioned in connection with the incident last night.

(DW/GK)