Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the work that my predecessor, Deputy Martin, did on this issue and in bringing it forward.

When it was originally conceived, there were issues such as the idea of a tourist discount card which would be associated with it. The priority up to now has been to get the certificate of Irish heritage launched and up and running, and my Department is in discussion with other agencies on ways in which to develop that. However, it is important to note that holders of the certificate must consent to receiving communications from promotional companies etc.

It is relatively new. I believe it will grow as more people get to know about it. What happened here was a wish to provide a formal recognition of Irish ancestry and heritage for those who do not qualify for an Irish passport and citizenship. It is difficult to evaluate the demand in numerical terms. We are aware, for example, in the context of The Gathering, that there has been increased interest in it. Certainly, in cases where we have presented certificates of Irish heritage to well-known figures, such as former President Clinton and, recently, the actor Tom Cruise, it has attracted a great deal of attention and it is a way of promoting it.

Diaspora organisations have indicated there is a wish among many to have some formal recognition of Irish ancestry and I think that will grow in the course of time. It is important to have the facility available for people who wish to formally recognise their ancestry.

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