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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 7

Written Answers. - Business Migration Scheme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

73 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice if her Department undertakes any monitoring of consultants, solicitors or others who act as intermediaries in regard to applications for naturalisation under the business migration scheme; the plans, if any, she has to issue guidelines for such intermediaries in view of evidence that some of them may have been operating the scheme in a racist way; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I am not clear as to what kind of monitoring is contemplated by the Deputy or what might be considered an appropriate exercise for my Department to conduct in this regard.

Many naturalisation applications submitted under the business migration scheme have been strongly supported by legal and accountancy firms which are amongst the largest and most highly regarded in this country. With the best will in the world, I could foresee considerable resentment on the part of the firms concerned if the Department of Justice proceeded to monitor their activities simply because they acted as intermediaries in this particular scheme.

As far as I am aware, it is not the practice for any Government Department to undertake monitoring of solicitors, consultants or other individuals who make representations on behalf of their clients and a question that has to be asked is whether it would be considered somewhat sinister and intimidating if any such measures were adopted by Government Departments.
For the sake of clarity, it should be said that applicants for naturalisation, by way of investment or otherwise, may apply direct to my Department. There is no requirement for applicants to avail of the services of intermediaries.
I would be most concerned if third parties assisting applicants have behaved in a racist way or have suggested that my Department implements policy and procedures in relation to naturalisation in a racist manner. I would condemn such behaviour in the strongest terms. If the Deputy has evidence of such behaviour I would ask him to bring it to my attention immediately.
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