Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Passport Office refuses to complete the processing of a passport application due to the fact that the application was made in Irish and differed from the applicant's birth certificate name; the further reason the applicant was asked for tax documents and banks statements amongst others despite the fact that they are a 19 year old student who never held a provisional driving licence or a full driving licence; and his views on whether the decision is discriminatory against the Irish language. [22062/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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A passport is an identity document issued by the State. It is usually provided in the name in which the person's birth was registered or in their married name when so requested. The long form of the birth certificate and, as the case may be, the marriage certificate are required as supporting documents.

If a person seeks a passport in a form of his/her name other than that supported by his/her birth/marriage certificate, the Passport Office will require proof of usage of the form of name over a period of two years. This is sought in all cases, including when a person seeks a passport in the English form of the name but the birth certificate shows the Irish version, and vice versa.

The requirements of the Passport Office in this respect are set out in the notes which accompany the application form as follows: Name to appear on the Passport. Complete Part A in the name by which you are normally known. Enter forenames 1, 2, 3 and 4 [if applicable] in the order as indicated on the form.

If the name by which you are commonly known differs from the version entered on your birth certificate, other than by marriage, you will be required to produce either a deed poll or evidence of usage of the name for at least two years, e.g. tax documents, bank statements, drivers licence, school reports etc. It will be necessary to produce at least two examples of such usage.

Where an applicant does not have the full 2 years proof of usage, the Passport Office can issue a passport, initially valid for 2 years, in the new form of their name, with a record of their birth certificate name entered on the observations page of the passport. After 2 years, the holder may then reapply for a passport solely in the new form of their name upon submitting proof of its usage.