Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address the difficulties for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland in obtaining an Irish passport, particularly regarding the new forms and having them signed at Garda stations at which they are not known; and the details of a resolution to this problem. [3281/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Irish citizens resident in the State who wish to apply for an Irish passport need to complete an APS 1 application form and have this witnessed and certified by a garda, normally at their local Garda station.

Irish citizens resident in Northern Ireland need to complete an APS2 application form and have this witnessed and certified by one of the following: an accountant, bank manager or assistant manager, lawyer, medical doctor, member of the clergy, notary public, commissioner for oaths, school principal or vice-principal, peace commissioner, police officer or member of Garda Síochána; or public representative. This wider range of possible witnesses is provided to facilitate persons resident outside this jurisdiction. I am not aware of difficulties encountered by citizens resident in Northern Ireland in having their passport application forms witnessed. However, if the Deputy can provide me with any such information, I will be happy to have it investigated.