asked the Minister for External Affairs whether it is the practice of his Department to refuse to assist Irish citizens to obtain respect for any rights which accrued to them in foreign countries prior to their becoming naturalised Irish citizens; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rights of Naturalised Citizens.
5.
In accordance with the wellrecognised rule of international law it is our practice not to give diplomatic support to the claim of a naturalised citizen which accrued before he became an Irish citizen.
Would the Minister consider the particular case of a person who is now an Irish citizen to whom a substantial amount of money is now due, perhaps arising out of the acquisition of property prior to his becoming an Irish national but nevertheless a case where money is now due? In such case would the Minister not think that the good offices of his Department might be placed at the disposal of such person in order that the money could be obtained and reinvested in Ireland not only in the interest of natural justice but also in the interest of the Irish economy?
In the case of any claim accruing abroad to an Irish citizen or a naturalised Irish citizen since he became naturalised we could, of course, and would help diplomatically.