30/10/2018

Record Year For Irish Passport Applications

2018 is set to be a record year for Irish passport applications, the latest figures from the Irish Embassy in London has revealed.

It is understood that in the first half of the year some 45,000 applications were received for Irish passports, and it has been suggested that the demand could increase to around 90,000 by the end of the year.

Commenting on the figures, Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile said: "Brexit has created massive uncertainty for citizens, who are resident both in the north and Britain around their legal rights, protections, entitlements, status and situation as a result of Brexit.

"There is a growing realisation that carrying an Irish passport, as a citizen, or as a measure of protection against the unseen consequences of Britain leaving the EU is important and those entitled to passports are staking their claim to Irish citizenship.

"I have no doubt that the trend on applying for Irish Passports will only rise further. The Irish government have an obligation to take a stand in defence of rights, citizenship and the Good Friday Agreement at the negotiations and afterwards."

(MH/CM)

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