Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the criteria for the signature, seal or stamp required by the consular section of his Department for the authentication or apostilling of documents for use abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46691/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Consular Section of my Department can authenticate or apostille documents executed in Ireland that are to be used in other countries. Authenticating or apostilling a document simply means confirming that a signature, seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine. Authenticating or apostilling does not mean that the content of a document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs approves of the content. The Consular Section can authenticate or apostille documents of Irish origin provided that they bear an original signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising public official or organisation. An Irish document is one that originates or has been executed in Ireland. Irish solicitors, Notaries Public or Commissioners for Oaths signing a document must state clearly what exactly it is they are certifying in relation to the document. They must sign their own name and not use a company signature.

The types of documents which the Consular Section can authenticate or apostille include, original certificates issued by the General Register Office, company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office, documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland. Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be authenticated or apostilled provided they bear an original signature, seal or stamp from a practising Irish solicitor or Notary Public in Ireland. Educational Certificates can be authenticated or apostilled provided they fall within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland or are recognised by the Department of Education and Skills. Medical reports signed by a doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland can be authenticated or apostilled.

Photocopies of certain types of documents can be authenticated or apostilled provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor or Notary Public in Ireland. In such cases, applicants must confirm with the authority to whom they are presenting the document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.

A fee of €20 is charged for each apostille or authentication. There is a standard fee of €50 for a series of apostilles or authentications in relation to inter-country adoptions.