Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Passports for Investment Scheme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

348 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the evidence of good character submitted to him as required in section 15 (1) (e) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended in 1986 in relation to the 114 applications under the passports for investment scheme between 1988 and 1994; the number who submitted a police certificate of character from the applicant's country of origin; the number who submitted references from three Irish citizens supporting the application from personal knowledge and intimate acquaintance; the number who submitted references from banks or companies; and the number who submitted no evidence of good character. [7043/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

An examination of available records conducted in my Department indicates that 95 adults, who had applied in the period 1988 to 1994, were naturalised under the scheme. In this period, 82 of those naturalised supplied references from three Irish citizens. Of these, eight submitted a police certificate of character and a further 16 submitted references from banks and companies as well. One person submitted a reference from a bank by itself. Twelve persons did not submit references of these types in support of their applications.