Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Garda and the passport service are investigating the allegations that were raised in a US court. What we have is an allegation and we have to establish the veracity of that assertion. We are not at that stage yet. We have not had access to much of the material because obviously it may be used in the court case. This will involve liaising with the US authorities, and following up with any citizen whose passport details might have been misused. Again, we shall look at the travel histories of any such persons and I shall report to the House when these investigations have been completed.

I will come back to the House in regard to those matters. My position in regard to the fraudulent use of Irish passports is well known, and has been articulated on the floor of this House. The Deputy can take it that we take any misuse of an Irish passport very seriously, indeed, and will act appropriately.

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