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Departmental Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2011

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Questions (87)

Michael McGrath

Question:

103 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Uptake project administered by him. [7680/11]

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Written answers

The Certificate of Irish Heritage is in the process of being established by my Department in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme from those members of our Diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship. I believe that the scheme will provide a practical demonstration of the inclusive approach adopted by successive Governments to our Diaspora. The Certificate of Irish Heritage will give official recognition to the many people worldwide who are conscious of their Irish heritage and feel a strong affinity for Ireland. It will not, however, confer any citizenship or other legal rights or entitlements to the successful applicants. Those applying for Certificates of Irish Heritage will be required to submit comprehensive details of their Irish ancestral connections and relevant documents and certificates to show their connection with Ireland.

It is expected that contract negotiations with the company selected to operate the service on behalf of my Department will be completed shortly and an announcement will be made thereafter.

While there may be scope, in due course, for some Government Departments and State Agencies to develop products and services aimed at Certificate holders, our primary focus at present is to establish the Certificate scheme itself.

The Certificate is just one of a number of initiatives being undertaken by the Government to build further practical links between Ireland and the global Irish.

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