Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Passports for Investment Scheme.

Ivan Yates

Question:

358 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government's policy in relation to the passports for investment scheme; whether it is still operational; whether applications are still being received by his Department; if it is envisaged to put the scheme on a statutory basis or to operate the scheme again in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7267/98]

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

The scheme of investment based naturalisation was suspended in September 1996 by the previous Government pending its being put on a statutory footing. The Government also decided at that time that no new applications should be accepted.

The present position is that I have recently completed a review of the operation of the scheme at the Government's request. The Government has yet to decide on the future of the scheme.