asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention had been drawn to the fact that under the terms of the British Citizenship Bill, Irish people living in Britain, who may wish to take out British citizenship will have to apply by the end of this month; if the Government has offered any advice to Irish people living in Britain on this matter; if the Irish Embassy will be available to advise Irish people as to the pros and cons of any such move; if, in view of the complexity of the issues involved, the Government will request the British authorities to extend the deadline beyond the end of this month, in order to give Irish people an opportunity to assess the issues involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - British Citizenship Bill.
56.
The Government are aware that there is concern among sections of the Irish community in Britain that their status might be affected by the British Nationality Act, 1981. In view of this concern our Embassy in London has placed advertisements in Irish community newspapers in Britain and in other relevant publications outlining in some detail the position of Irish citizens under the Act.
Embassy staff have met with the British Home Office officials and are fully briefed to deal with questions on the subject. Officials of the Embassy have participated in information meetings on the Act in a number of Irish centres in Britain. In addition the Embassy are dealing with a large volume of telephone queries on the matter on a daily basis.
As well as the information campaign organised by the Government the major Irish organisations have undertaken a vigorous operation to inform their membership about the terms of the Act and its implications for Irish people living in Britain.
In these circumstances and since the registration option has been open for the past five years, the Government do not feel that it would be appropriate to request an extension of the 31 December deadline. We are satisfied that every effort is being made to disseminate information on the implications of the Act for Irish people living in Britain. It is also worth noting that the process of naturalisation will remain open to those who wish to become British citizens after the expiry of the 31 December deadline for registration under the British Nationality Act.