Overview of Passports

For centuries Ireland's principal export was her people. Economic hard times, English conquests, wars and famine were the impetus outward.

Only the very recent economic boom of the 1990's made Ireland a magnet for large numbers of immigrants. And those who want to fully participate in Irish society and live a life that is not at the sufferance of Immigration rules and restrictions eventually begin to consider acquiring Irish citizenship.

EU citizens are already effectively citizens of Ireland. But, the transfer of rights and entitlements such as pensions and benefits from other European Union nations can involve a number of questions.

In this section I try and deal with these issues and provide links for those of you needing answers from the relevant government departments.