asked the Mini-for Justice if he will introduce legislation to provide that a foreigner who marries an Irish citizen will automatically become an Irish citizen; and if he will, pending the passage of such legislation, permit any person whose spouse is Irish to reside in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizenship.
92.
(Cavan): I have no such legislation in mind.
The law allows a woman who is married to a man who is an Irish citizen otherwise than by naturalisation to acquire Irish citizenship simply by registration.
For the rest, every decision to refuse an alien entry to the State or to ask him to leave it is taken on the merits of each case. The fact of mariage to an Irish citizen would be a factor in arriving at a decision.
The question relates to an Irish girl who married a Malaysian but he is not permitted to enter this country as her husband. Can the law be changed so that he can enter the country with his wife. The Aliens Office say that this man cannot enter the country although he has no criminal record, has fluent English and a perfect education. They say he must have a licence or a permit to work in this country before he will be admitted. Can anything be done to ensure that this woman sees her own husband in her own country? In Britain, as the Minister will agree, when an English person marries a foreigner the foreigner automatically becomes a British subject by naturalisation. The same thing applies in the United States and in most EEC countries, but seemingly we are unique in Ireland in preventing this.
(Cavan): As I have stated, for a woman marrying an Irishman there is no problem.
What about an Irishwoman marrying a foreigner?
(Cavan): There is no problem if a woman who is a native of another country marries an Irish citizen. She can come here and become an Irish citizen by registration. In the case of an Irish woman who marries a foreigner there are more difficulties.
It is discrimination.
(Cavan): Up to this year there were many discriminations as regards the fair sex.
It is still there.
(Cavan): If the person the Deputy has in mind is a Malaysian he should not have all that much difficulty getting in.
Can I be assured on behalf of this person that every facility will be granted to this person so that he can come and reside with his wife in this country?
(Cavan): The Deputy's question does not contain reference to any specific case and it would be extremely foolish of me to give to the Deputy the undertaking that he has sought in reply to the parliamentary question which deals with the position in a general way. I suggest that the Deputy take the matter up with the Department concerned —I understand that two or three Departments are concerned. I am sure, however, that he will be facilitated in every way.
Is the Minister aware that there has been widespread abuse of this facility in Britain and for this reason that it would be unwise for us to rush into legislation whereby aliens could become naturalised citizens here?
(Cavan): The Minister does not propose to introduce legislation but every case will be dealt with on its merits.