Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
195. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of plans to reopen the foreign birth registration application process in order that the application for persons (details supplied) can be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56620/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as of Monday 15th November, the processing of Foreign Birth Registration has resumed and will be gradually scaling up in line with the recruitment of additional resources. Foreign Birth Registration applications are citizenship applications and as in all jurisdictions involve a complex and lengthy process.
The applications referenced were registered on 16 March 2021, and are being stored in a secure environment.
FBR staff continue to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Such applicants may contact the Passport Service directly.
My Department is fully committed to allocating additional resources over the coming period to assist with the processing of the high volume of new applications anticipated and the 32,000 Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand.
