One million Irish passports applications shows people remain opposed to Brexit - Ó Donnghaile
Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has said the latest statistics showing that applications for Irish Passports are to surpass one million is a significant milestone and makes stronger the case for the opening of a passport office in the North.
Speaking in Belfast today Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:
"These latest statistics will come as no surprise given the pursual of an unwanted and hard Brexit by the British Government. The people of the North voted to remain in the EU and therefore retain their Irish and EU citizenship.
“I have no doubt that the trend on applying for Irish passports will only rise further.
“Since entering the Seanad almost one year ago, I have been making the case that the Department of Foreign Affairs, who recently employed an additional 230 staff to deal with the surge, explore urgently a business case for opening a much-needed resource where the demand is, that is the North.
“These statistics, which of course land right in the Irish government's lap, show clearly they have an obligation and evidential support to make the strongest possible case for special designated status to protect Irish and EU citizens in the North as part of any deal on Brexit."
