Supreme Court to hear State appeal over striking down of law affecting recognition of refugee marriage

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by the State over a finding of unconstitutionality concerning a law preventing recognition, for family reunification purposes, of marriages of refugees which took place after they sought protection here.

The High Court's Mr Justice Max Barrett made the declaration of unconstitutionality last July in relation to Section 56.9.a of the 2015 International Protection Act, which states a refugee can apply for permission for a spouse to enter and reside with them in Ireland provided they had married before the applicant sought international protection here.