No automatic citizenship for children of foreign nationals, says FG TD

CHILDREN born in this country whose parents are foreign nationals should not be automatically granted Irish citizenship, Fine Gael justice spokesman John Deasy said last night.

The Waterford TD also said his party should resurrect its little known official title: ‘Fine Gael - United Ireland Party’ and include the term in the party logo to emphasise its nationalist principles.

Arising from the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, thousands of non-nationals who have children born in this country face deportation.

The court ruled non-nationals were not entitled to remain here by virtue of having an Irish-born child. The case before the courts accepted children born here to non-national couples are Irish citizens.

But Mr Deasy says the Supreme Court decision arose because people were abusing the system and further steps need to be taken to solve the problem.

Irish-born children with non-national parents should have to apply for citizenship, similar to some other EU countries, and clear criteria should be laid down, he said.

Acknowledging the complications arising from the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Deasy said a referendum is needed to clarify the entire area.

“I think we have to have reasonable immigration laws where people can’t take advantage of our system. The loopholes have to be weeded out. And I don’t agree that children born here should have an immediate right to citizenship,” he said.

Stressing that he is not against immigration, he says the vast majority of people come here for work or education.

Multiculturalism can have a tremendous effect on society, he says, stating that while living in the United States for 10 years he saw its numerous positive impacts.

“Immigration and multiculturalism is a positive issue. Unfortunately the debate has mainly focused on those seeking asylum. We need to tighten up our laws. But equally one of our priorities should be to stem growing racism,” he said.