An Irish passport is an extraordinarily important document for everybody born on this island. Until recently, parents in the aforementioned position were allowed to stay with their children who had been granted Irish citizenship and give them the care and comfort of family life. Alas, this is no more. However, there are appeals before the courts so I should be careful what I say in this respect. It would be very sad if little Irish citizens had to go abroad to perhaps less congenial homes than those they would have if they were here or, worse still, if they were subject to inadequate care within the State if their natural parents decided it would be better to leave them here.