Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 960: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has considered representations on behalf of a person (details supplied); the response he intends to make; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24847/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is aware that I wrote to the person concerned in January and April 2004 setting out the position regarding how she might set about acquiring Irish citizenship.

While the preferred option is post-nuptial citizenship, the medical condition of her Irish husband appears to rule out the possibility of proceeding in this way.

It appears that the only other option is naturalisation, and I am favourably disposed to grant an application from the person concerned. However, she would have to apply in the normal way, and her application would be assessed against the statutory provisions in place. Following formal approval of her application, she would be required to swear an oath of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State in open court and pay the appropriate statutory fee of €634.87. I appreciate that the person concerned has indicated that she is not in a financial position to pay that fee, but I do not have any discretion in the matter.