Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2013
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the basis on which a passport has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who is an Irish citizen; the basis on which the person can address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38985/13]
View answerThe Passports Act, 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade shall be satisfied as to the identity of each applicant and that the person is an Irish citizen. The issue of a passport is the culmination of an important and legally binding process. The checks and balances within the passport process embrace the standard principles that are provided for in the Act and help to ensure that the identity of the applicant is known and that the person in question is an Irish citizen. This serves to maintain the worldwide good reputation and integrity of the Irish passport, which, in turn, ensures the safe travel and well-being of Irish citizens as they travel abroad. Moreover, it helps to combat passport and identity fraud. Moreover, it helps to combat passport and identity fraud. Documentary proof in respect of identity and entitlement to citizenship are required for all passport applications. These requirements are outlined in the passport application form notes that accompany each application form. Details are also available on the Department’s website
The Department received an application from the person in question on 11 June 2013. While the person concerned has been granted Irish citizenship through naturalization, the authenticity of an identity document submitted with the passport application has been called into question and requires further investigation. The Department wrote to the applicant on 9 September 2013 to inform him of the situation. The matter has been brought to the attention of the Department of Justice and Equality.
