Vol. 496 No. 2
151 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to effect the withdrawal of passports from persons who were provided with them under the various passport for investments schemes in circumstances where these individuals are being pursued by international criminal investigation authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22287/98]
152 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total aggregate value of inward investment secured through the operation of the passport for investments schemes which operated for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22288/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
In so far as the question of revocation of a certificate of naturalisation is concerned, the position is that section 19 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, provides that a certificate of naturalisation can be revoked in certain defined circumstances. These include where the issue of the certificate was procured by fraud, misrepresentation whether innocent or fraudulent, or concealment of material facts or circumstances, or where the person to whom it was granted has, by any overt act, shown himself to have failed in his duty of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
I have the option of considering any case in the light of this section and in that respect I am considering the information disclosed in a recent television programme to see what action is open to me.
In so far as the level of investment in the State as a result of the investment linked naturalisation scheme is concerned, records in my Department indicate that total investment was in excess of £90 million
