Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 29:

In page 14, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following:

"(4) A person who appeals a decision of the Minister pursuant to the provisions of this section shall within seven days of lodging such appeal be furnished with the reasons for the decision given in respect of which the appeal has been lodged.".

This amendment relates to the situation of a person being refused a passport and being informed by the Minister. Further along, the Act provides an appeal mechanism. It is nearly impossible for someone to appeal a refusal if he or she does not know the grounds for the refusal. It is reasonable that, when a person's application is refused, he or she is given the information concerning the reason. It is a basic requirement and the appeals mechanism will be rendered inadequate if this measure is not included.

See this speech in context