Citizenship Applications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004

Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Ceisteanna (136)

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

136 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information available to him in regard to the nationality and the normal country of residence of mothers, in respect of the briefing document (details supplied) issued by him on 10 March 2004 in connection with the proposed amendment to the Constitution regarding citizenship; the number of mothers who are believed to have arrived in the country within a month prior to giving birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9252/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

While information on nationality for one of the Dublin maternity hospitals in 2003 was available to me, I have not been supplied with the country by country data for all three Dublin maternity hospitals sought by the Deputy. The figure for the number of births to non-nationals at the three Dublin maternity hospitals during 2003 was included in my document for the sole purpose of showing overall trends in this area. It is illustrative of one factor informing the Government proposal, that is, the strain on maternity hospitals. There are also wider considerations such as health and social policy and service delivery across the State sector into the future. My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, may be able to provide the breakdown of figures sought.