Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 51: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10752/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Passports Act, 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister for Foreign Affairs shall be satisfied as to the identity of each applicant and that the person is an Irish citizen. Documentary proof in respect of identity and entitlement to citizenship are required for all passport applications. These requirements are outlined in the passport application form notes that accompany each application form. Details are also available on the Department's website. Birth certificates are among the standard documents that are required for all applications that involve children and persons, aged 18 and over the age, who are first–time applicants. These certificates are critical to the passport process in the following ways:

Each certificate confirms and verifies the applicant's personal details such as his/her date and place of birth which appear on that person's passport.

They help to demonstrate the person's entitlement to Irish citizenship which is a prerequisite for passport issue; and

Details of parents are stated on these certificates. This is important to the Passport Service in ensuring that the full parental consent to the issue of a passport to a minor is provided.

In the case of the person in question, an application for a passport was received by my Department on 11 February, 2011. The application was supported by the applicant's certificate of naturalisation, which demonstrated his entitlement to Irish citizenship, and by an affidavit in regard to his birth details. In line with passport policy, the Department wrote to him on 21 February, 2011 requesting him to provide his birth certificate.

In a letter dated 11 March, 2011, the applicant claimed that due to the history of civil unrest in his country of birth, he was unable to provide his birth certificate. This matter was investigated recently and subsequently verified by the Department. As a result of this, a passport was issued to him on 9 May, 2011.