Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
533. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications made to her Department for a ‘change of name licence’ from persons granted leave to remain for the period 2019 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19448/24]
View answerUnder Section 9 of the Aliens Act, 1935 where a non-EEA national over the age of 18 wishes to legally change their name to a name that is different to the one on their birth certificate, they must apply for a change of name licence from my Department. In order for this name change to take legal effect a deed poll would also need to be executed.
I can advise the Deputy, that the granting of a change of name licence is a discretionary measure and each applicant is required to demonstrate the reasons why they wish to change their name. If person comes to Ireland under a false identity and have been granted permission to remain, they cannot apply for a change of name licence and must engage with the Division which issued their permission to remain in order to revert to their true identity. This may result in the persons permission to remain in the State being withdrawn.
In relation to the number of applications from persons who have been granted Permission to Remain under the International Protection Act 2015, as amended. I can advise the Deputy that my Department has received 8 applications for a change of name licence from persons who have been granted leave to remain by the International Protection Office between January 2019, to date.
