Seanad debates

Wednesday, 22 October 2003

Irish Nationality and Citizenship and Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

I believe the Minister is fully supportive of what I have proposed. I tabled this issue as an Adjournment debate on 19 December 2002. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, quoted the Minister. I have actually used the Minster's words to a large extent in trying to put forward this Bill. I commend the Minister for what he has done. He has been very forthright and determined in saying he also disapproves entirely of a scheme such as the so-called passports for sale scheme. His heart is in the right place. The only discussion we might have might be on the question of whether this Bill goes far enough. It does. It will, inter alia, be fulfilling Article 9.1.2o of the Constitution which states: "The future acquisition and loss of Irish nationality and citizenship shall be determined in accordance with law." This Bill is a useful and essential step towards taking the next step, whatever that may be. It could well be that there will be amendments to the Bill. I commend it to the House and it is worthy of consideration.

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