John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the citizenship anomaly that has been highlighted in three cases (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12603/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It appears that the Deputy's question relates to the entitlement to Irish citizenship of children born outside the State to Irish parents. As the information provided is insufficient to enable me to respond to the individual cases cited by the Deputy, I propose to answer the question in general terms.

The entitlement to Irish citizenship of a child born outside of the island of Ireland is dependant on the way the parent of the child obtained Irish citizenship. I have set out as follows the different circumstances that can arise in this regard:

Parent born in Ireland

Child automatically Irish from birth.

Parent born outside of Ireland but his or her parent (i.e. child's grandparent) born in Ireland

Child entitled to Irish citizenship but must first be registered in Foreign Births Register maintained by Department of Foreign Affairs.

Parent naturalised or made a declaration of post-nuptial citizenship prior to child's birth

Child entitled to Irish citizenship but must first be registered in Foreign Births Register maintained by Department of Foreign Affairs.

Parent obtained Irish citizenship after the birth of the child

Parent must apply for naturalisation on behalf of the child or the child must apply himself or herself if of full age.

The Citizenship section operates a telephone helpline every Tuesday and Thursday morning between 10.00 am and 12.30 pm. If the persons in question require any further information or assistance, they should contact the helpline at Lo-call 1890 551 500 or (01) 6167700.