Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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176. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and when they can expect to receive a decision on the case. [28925/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act 2008, as amended (“the 2008 Act“). Section 7(1)(a) of the 2008 Act states that a person must be an Irish citizen in order for the Minister to issue a passport to that person. Accordingly, every applicant for a passport must submit a complete application form with supporting documents positively confirming, among other things, that that person is an Irish citizen and as such is entitled to a passport.

I note the challenge of meeting the requirements of the 2008 Act in this particular case. An individual may also apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation, for which minimum residency terms must be satisfied. The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters, including applications for naturalisation.

With regard to the specific application, and in the current circumstances as the applicant was not able to provide the required supporting documents, arrangements will be made to refund the passport fee paid.