Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The Bill permits a citizen to apply for a passport under section 6(1). Similarly, section 6(3) permits the making of an application by a parent or guardian on behalf of a child. Having provided for the right to make an application, section 6(2) requires applications to be made in such form and to be accompanied by such information and documents as may be required. In other words, a citizen can choose whether to apply for a passport. If he or she chooses to do so, the application must satisfy a number of mandatory requirements.

Accepting the proposed amendments could make it mandatory for a citizen or, in the case of a child, the guardian of a citizen to apply for a passport. Citizens have the right to hold passports but are not and should not be obliged to apply for them. I do not propose to accept the amendments.

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