The Government was under pressure to curb citizenship rights for Irish-born children because of concerns over international terrorism, newly released cabinet records have revealed. In 2004, the Government held a referendum to end automatic citizenship rights to anyone born in Ireland, a decision that came under the spotlight in recent months. The memorandum — released following an FOI request — also said that in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Ireland’s law on citizenship for children born here was a major risk. The referendum has come into renewed focus over recent months as some of the children born in Ireland around the time have faced deportation. Eric Zhi Ying XueIn one case, Eric Zhi Ying Xue — a nine-year-old boy from Bray, Co Wicklow — faced removal from the State despite having been here for his entire life.

Source: Irish Examiner February 04, 2019 03:45 UTC