Seanad debates
Wednesday, 22 October 2003
Irish Nationality and Citizenship and Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage.
When one looks at Article 9 of the Constitution, which deals with the acquisition of citizenship, it is noteworthy that fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State are fundamental duties of the citizen. Therefore, I believe that even if a proposal – again I hope this is never put to the test – was put before this and the other House to put into Irish law the underpinnings of the old scheme, there could be a very strong argument that it was unconstitutional and open to the buying of citizenship.
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