Guidelines needed for obtaining evidence of divorces abroad, says Ombudsman

THE Ombudsman has called for the introduction of guidelines for people who are required to give evidence of divorces obtained abroad to the General Register Office.

In a report published yesterday by the Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, regarding complaints received against the General Register Office (GRO), a number of cases dealt with the recognition of foreign divorces in Ireland.

The GRO needs to draw up a comprehensive statement “for those individuals, who are required to provide evidence supporting the recognition of divorces obtained abroad, outlining what evidence is required and advising how they might obtain such evidence”.