Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures the Government proposes to take, such as the provision of a special visa, to the non-Irish spouses of deceased Irish citizens who may be living in countries where their safety may be in jeopardy, and who as a result of same would be in need of an Irish passport or similar accreditation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3155/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to non-EEA spouses of Irish nationals who are deceased. Marriage to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right to enter or reside in the State, just as it does not grant an automatic right to Irish citizenship following the coming into force of the Immigration and Citizenship Act 2001, which abolished the previous system of post-nuptial citizenship. There is no special visa regime for non-EEA spouses of deceased Irish citizens. It is open to any visa required national wishing to travel to the State to submit an application for a visa for the purpose of the intended journey. Such an application will be considered on its merits. The issuing of an Irish passport is contingent on the person being an Irish citizen, which does appear not to be the case here.