Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 457: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the situation with respect to applicants for Irish citizenship by descendents of Irish emigrants to Argentina, specifically persons (details supplied); if, having regard to the strong links between Ireland and Argentina that have been established in the instant case and in view of the compelling argument of injustice, he will grant Irish citizenship by way of naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27060/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy's question refers to Argentinian nationals whose only direct lineal ancestor to have been born in Ireland was a great-grandparent.

My Department has been engaged in extensive correspondence over the last number of years in relation to the question of Irish citizenship for the three individuals concerned and the broader issue of Irish citizenship for Argentinian nationals of Irish descent.

The position is that the great-grandchildren of persons born in Ireland can obtain Irish citizenship by registering in the Foreign Births Register provided either of their parents had at the time of their birth acquired Irish citizenship through registration in the Foreign Births Register. There is one exception to that rule. If one parent had registered in the Foreign Births Register prior to 31 December 1986, their child can register even if the parent had not registered at the time of that person's birth.

If persons are not entitled to Irish citizenship in these circumstances, they can apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation. Such applications are considered under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956 — 2004. The applicant must fulfil certain statutory requirements including requirements in relation to residency. However I am empowered to dispense with the statutory conditions in whole or in part in certain circumstances — for example where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations. Every such application is decided upon on its individual circumstances and in accordance with the law.

The three persons referred to in the Deputy's question lodged applications for naturalisation in 2002. Having considered all of the information available at that time, the three applications were refused. It is, of course, open to the individuals to apply again for naturalisation at any time in the future. Any such applications will be considered in the context of the legislation in force at that time.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 458: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a citizenship application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27064/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.