Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I welcome the extension of the centenarian bounty scheme to include Irish people born in Ireland but living abroad. While this initiative is welcome, it is hardly revolutionary, considering the schemes in other countries. For instance Irish Italians recently flocked to cast their votes for their new Prime Minister Prodi, his Green Party colleagues and others. In that context, will the Taoiseach clarify a reference both he and the Irish Independent made to Irish citizens being entitled to the bounty when they reach 100? I am sure go mbeidh fáilte roimhe sin ag an Athair Seosamh Ó Maoláin, mac le Michael Mallin, atá ina nóchaidí agus atá anois i Hong Kong. Ach, cad mar gheall ar dhaoine atá ina gcónaí anseo nach saoránaigh iad? The website refers to people who are resident in Ireland on their 100th birthday but does not seem to make reference to those with citizenship. Will the Taoiseach clarify the position of people who might not be Irish citizens but who are resident in Ireland on their 100th birthday?

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