Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
27. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to passport applications for individuals under the age of 18 years if a sole guardian affidavit is required to be submitted in the case that there is just one parent/guardian named on the birth certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37805/23]
View answerAll passports are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008 ("the Act") as amended. With regard to guardianship, the Passport Service is bound by Section 14 of the Act. Section 14 requires the consent of a child’s guardians before a passport can issue to the child, subject to very limited exceptions.
In cases where a child has only one guardian within the meaning of the legislation, this guardian is required to complete a Sole Guardian Affidavit to confirm that there is no other person holding guardianship rights in respect of the child applying for a passport. This is necessary in order to verify that the requirements for guardian consent have been satisfied. While only one parent may be named on a child's birth certificate, circumstances in relation to guardianship may have changed since the child's birth was registered.
