asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons living in the Republic of South Africa who have applied to his Department for Irish passports in each year from 1985 to 1989, inclusive; in respect of each year, the number of such applicants who were issued with passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Republic of South Africa Irish Passport Applications.
50.
The information available in the Passport Office shows the date of issue of passports but does not record the date or receipt of applications. It is, therefore, not possible to provide an accurate answer to the first part of the question.
The following are the numbers of passports issued, in respect of each of the years in question, to Irish citizens living in the Republic of South Africa:
|
1985(Estimate) |
2,400 |
|
1986 |
2,851 |
|
1987 |
3,610 |
|
1988 |
1,796 |
|
1989 (to 29 November) |
1,610 |
Approximately 2,500 passport applications which have been received from residents of the Republic of South Africa are being held. These applications are linked to applications for citizenship by registration which were received very close to the deadline and which could not be processed in the time allowed under the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1986. The applications for citizenship are being held pending the introduction of amending legislation which would provide a legal basis for processing them.