Seanad debates

Wednesday, 22 October 2003

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

 

It is interesting to note that descendants of our emigrants to countries that are now experiencing economic difficulties are finding it difficult to pass the Irish naturalisation tests. I refer in particular to Argentina where many Irish emigrants went in previous centuries. Their descendants are extremely anxious that the grandfather clause be taken into account and that they be afforded the status of naturalised citizens here. Surely people in such circumstances are far more deserving of our help than those who have perfectly good homes somewhere else but who, for financial reasons, want to buy a passport so they can travel more easily and, perhaps, shelter from the law in their country of origin.

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