Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

This was discussed at great length yesterday. I did not have an opportunity to verify whether I was right or wrong about certain countries up to the 1930s distinguishing between nationals and citizens. It is my belief that until comparatively recently, citizenship in certain states in Europe was confined to the male gender whereas "nationals" included everyone. Surprising though it may be, Mr. de Valera's Constitution of 1937 specifically stated that citizenship was available to both genders. It was regarded as a statement of importance at the time, that it was not possible to disqualify from citizenship one gender, which in the mores of the time was more likely to be the female gender. One never knows, the way things are going, perhaps at some future time men will have their citizenship under threat in some society. In this case I do not believe that the word "citizenship" or the word "nationality" has the significance Senator Tuffy's amendment seems to imply. If one goes to the famous second sentence in Article 2:

It is the entitlement and birthright of every person born in the island of Ireland, which includes its islands and seas, to be part of the Irish Nation. That is also the entitlement of all persons otherwise qualified in accordance with law to be citizens of Ireland.

It is clear that citizens are entitled to be nationals. It is not clear if nationals can be disqualified from being citizens, although I suppose that could happen by way of renunciation. It is a metaphysical distinction for the purpose of this debate.

Tarraingíodh siar an leasú faoi chead.