Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 1

Written Answers. - Passports for Investment Scheme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

98 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current office holders who were at any time between 1988 and 1994 members of the Government and who during that period gave advice to the then Minister for Justice in accordance with paragraph (b) of the statement of intent in relation to the passports for investment scheme or otherwise in respect of any potential applicant for naturalisation or otherwise supported an application for citizenship under the scheme; if so, if he will give full details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7187/99]

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

I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 334 of 2 March 1999.

Austin Deasy

Question:

100 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of passports issued under the scheme of passports for investment for foreign nationals in return for investment here. [4775/99]

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

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the number of persons naturalised under the investment-based scheme. The question of the issue of passports is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

A total of 163 persons, including 62 spouses and minor children, have been naturalised under the scheme to date.

The Government decided to abolish the investment-based naturalisation scheme on 20 April 1998. They also decided that applications on hands before 4 September 1996 should be brought to finality. Some of the outstanding cases have since been completed and others are in the process of being finalised.