James Lawless
Question:60. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to examine the request for a passport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39346/24]
View answerWednesday, 2 October 2024
Questions (60)
Written answers
All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (the Act). The Act provides that a person must, among other things, be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him or her. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is, in turn, subject to the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended.
Prior to 29 November 2005, spouses of Irish citizens had the option of completing a post-nuptial declaration in order to be recognised as Irish citizens. The Passport Service will accept a valid post-nuptial declaration (i.e. dated on or before 29 November 2005) as evidence of citizenship.
Since 30 November 2005, spouses of Irish citizens without any other claim to Irish citizenship (such as, for example, citizenship by descent) may apply for naturalisation if they wish to establish Irish citizenship. Naturalisation comes under the jurisdiction of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service within the Department of Justice.
In this particular case, if the individual concerned cannot provide evidence of Irish citizenship, the Passport Service will not be in a position to approve any passport application made by them. It is open to the person to make enquiries with regard to their eligibility for Irish citizenship to the Department of Justice.