Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in relation to an application for an Irish passport, (details supplied), having regard to the fact that this applicant, being an Irish citizen, is unable to submit details of their birth certificate to support their passport application, the affidavit submitted in support of the information submitted with the application will facilitate the progression of matters, notwithstanding the fact that the submission of such affidavit is not intended to replace or substitute the submission of primary items of evidence, such as would be the case in respect of a birth certificate; if having regard to appropriate and exhaustive searches having been made to locate a Birth Certificate, he will accept the affidavit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/11]

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 and Trade 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:

(i) 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.

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

(iii) 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.

The Department is aware that some Irish citizens may have difficulty in locating a record of their birth and thus providing civil birth certificates. The Department will consider this on a case by case basis where it arises in a passport application. However, such consideration must be mindful of the Department's clear statutory obligation under the Passports Act, 2008 to satisfy itself as to the identity of each passport applicant.

The case of the person in question is currently the subject of legal proceedings and as such it would not be appropriate to make any comment on the matter.