Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2010
37 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his proposal to issue certificates of Irish heritage; the estimate of the proposed fee for this certificate; the details of the third party agency that will administer this certificate; when this initiative will be activated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29633/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra377 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to introduce a certificate of Irish heritage for those of Irish descent who do not qualify for citizenship; the criteria needed in order to successfully apply for one of these certificates; if his Department is confident this initiative will be treated with popular respect; the number of persons his Department expects will apply for a certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29194/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 377 together.
The establishment of a Certificate of Irish Heritage was proposed in the Strategic Review of Ireland-US Relations, published in March 2009. The initiative is being taken forward by the Government in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme among those members of our Diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship and is a practical demonstration of the inclusive approach adopted by successive Governments when it comes to defining the Irish identity.
The Certificate of Irish Heritage will give official recognition to the many people worldwide who are conscious of their Irish heritage and feel a strong affinity for Ireland, but who are not eligible for Irish citizenship. The Certificate will not confer any citizenship or other legal rights or entitlements to the successful applicant.
My Department published a request on the Government's eTenders website in April seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified service providers for the establishment of a service concession to operate the service on behalf of the Department. A deadline of 28 May was set for the receipt of applications. Expressions of interest were received from a number of interested service providers and are currently under consideration.
Those applying for Certificates of Irish Heritage will be required to submit comprehensive details of their Irish ancestral connections and relevant documents and certificates to show their connection with Ireland. As the tender process for the award of the licence to operate the service is ongoing, I am not in a position to provide details on those companies that may have applied or the fee that is expected to be charged for the service. It is hoped that the scheme will be operational by the end of the year.
Although it is not possible to put a figure on the number of people who may apply for the Certificate, it is expected that there will be a substantial demand abroad for the service.
