Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 May 1991

Vol. 407 No. 8

Written Answers. - Passport Applications.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

33 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if he will list the documents which are considered by the Garda Síochána as acceptable as proof of indentity for persons seeking the signature of a Garda which is required for a passport application; if he will outline those persons who are regarded as reputable members of the public who are acceptable for identifying passport applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Treacy, dealt comprehensively with the matters raised by Deputy Byrne in responding to a Dáil motion raised on the Adjournment — also in the Deputy's name — on 23 April.

In a nutshell, the position is as follows. The documents which must accompany applications for passports are photographs, birth certificates and, if appropriate, marriage certificates, but such documents do not in themselves provide proof of the identity of the applicant. For the purpose of deciding whether a passport should issue, the Department of Foreign Affairs also require that a member of the Garda Síochána certify the identity of the applicant. Where the applicant is not known to the gardaí, identification may be provided by any person known to the gardaí whom they are satisfied is in a position to do so. The central issue in considering evidence of identity put forward by a person other than the applicant is that person's capacity to provide evidence which satisfies the Garda concerned as to the applicant's true identity; reputability is a relevant consideration only in that connection.

The Deputy will appreciate that the onus on individual gardaí to exercise a high standard of care in this regard is considerable. The international reputation of Irish passports, which is a matter of great importance, depends on the maintenance of such standards.