Vol. 549 No. 2
22 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the report of the review group established in 1998 to inquire into the passports for sale scheme was never published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5973/02]
The review group on investment based naturalisation was established to review the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. Its aim was to see how it might facilitate investment and, if in the course of that review, information emerged that would warrant additional legislative measures, such change could be considered. I have stated my position on this matter on a number of occasions. The scheme stands abolished and I have no plans to re-introduce it.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2001, which was enacted on 6 June last, made extensive changes to Irish citizenship law as enunciated in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956 to 1994. I do not intend to revisit the issue of investment based naturalisation in the context of legislative change. Consequently, the level of priority afforded to the examination of the report of my Department's review group was commensurate with these realities.
Officials in my Department have now completed their examination of the report. Copies of the report have been circulated to other Departments with a view to its submission to Government. In keeping with my assurances to the House on a number of occasions, once the report has been considered by Government, I will arrange for its publication.
