Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 whose late father was an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16250/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In the absence of more specific information, the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to provide a definitive response in relation to the issue raised. If the late father of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was an Irish citizen at the time of his birth then he is automatically entitled to Irish citizenship.

If the person in question is not entitled to Irish citizenship by descent, 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.

Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned.