‘Certificate of Irishness’ available to applicants within months
70 million people worldwide could be eligible for acknowledgment of their heritage
By: CATHY HAYES | Published Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 1:45 PM | Updated Thursday, June 9, 2011, 12:53 PM
A private company, working alongside the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, has announced the promised “Certificate of Irishness” will be available to applicants from fall 2011.
The certificates of Irish Heritage will be available to an estimated 70 million people with Irish lineage worldwide from fall. FEXCO, a Kerry-based company and a global provider of consumer services, will work with the Department of Foreign Affairs to get the certificate manufactured and distributed.
Managing Director of FEXCO, Gavin O’Neill said “FEXCO is delighted to have secured this prestigious contract and our team will begin working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs to design and deliver a Certificate and service of the highest quality.”
These certificates are aimed at those whose Irish ancestry goes back beyond their grandparents. It is for those Irish who are not eligible for an Irish passport. The new identification will also grant them special tourist and travel deals as well as being a concrete acknowledgment of their Irish heritage.
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The idea of a certification of Irishness was first raised at the Global Irish Economic Forum in September 2009. The project was announced last June.
A spokesman from the Department of Foreign Affairs said, last December, that plan “will enable people who have a strong Irish connection to assert their Irishness and their heritage.”
In 2010 almost 11,000 people applied for their Irish citizenship through their grandparents. These figures suggest that there are millions of Irish descendants around the world who will apply for these certificates.
It is expected that those applying will have to hold official documents such as birth certificates, baptismal forms, death or marriage documents or property deeds to prove their lineage.
Further details will be announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.jacersagain | Jun 14, 2011, 05:59 PM EDT
On the contrary, OLDBOREEN: These certificates, especially those issued and dated to first comers, will be yours to have today and be family heirlooms for your future generations to have. ¬ My great grand-aunt emigrated from Ireland, to America first and later to Canada, over a hundred years ago. When she died, she bequeathed to me a simple but very beautiful flower vase that she bought somewhere, sometime when she was a young beauty of a woman (I have old photos of her of then and of us together Dublin when I was a small fella and she an oul’ woman). That vase sits in my sitting room tonight, as precious to me tonight as it was to her the day she bought it over a century ago. So will a “Certificate of Irishness” be precious for you and your future relatives, whether they are children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, or great grand nieces or nephews or cousins and so on, or for anybody else having Irish Heritage to pass on to their families, some day. These Irish Certificates of Irishness will be the kinds of treasures that only come in one’s own lifetime, for others of yours to dust off and treasure in future times, like I do with my g-g-aunt’s vase. Get the Certificate, put it on your mantelpiece or sideboard, let it be your treasure today, to be a bequeathed treasure another day.
oldboreen | Jun 14, 2011, 04:27 AM EDT
Re;'Certificate of Irishness'. Sadly this is simply a clever money making commercial scam. Shame of the Irish Government for having any part in it! Either you have an Irish Passport or you don't. These certificates will be worthless. Don't waste your money!
Searlit | Jun 12, 2011, 12:36 PM EDT
Most of us with Irish heritage like to celebrate being Irish. Thank Heaven we do. With all the Irish festivals here in the US we have kept the popularity of Irish music and other crafts strong. If we didn't buy all the clothes, glassware, pottery etc., how much of the world would know about the wonderful artists of Ireland? We who frequent the festivals and the Irish Import shops give incentive for more beautiful creative genius. I'll admit it, I was just at a shop yesterday. I didn't buy any buttons, though.
mollycolleen | Jun 10, 2011, 06:34 PM EDT
Will FEXCO be selling a Certificate of Irishness to Congressman Anthony Weiner now that IC has "revealed" his Irish side? I'm glad IC didn't reveal anything else of the Congressman's...enough is enough.
StRoibard | Jun 10, 2011, 10:06 AM EDT
Those of you protesting the value or sense of this certificate most likely live in Ireland and, therefore, see it as unnecessary. Those of us stuck by circumstances in the States understand the intrinsic value of something tangible to put on the wall regarding our ancestry. Just as I've several photos of my trips to Ireland, I'll mount and proudly display this "memory" of my family's proud past. In a land of mongrels and mutts, a pedigree is nice to have.
mollycolleen | Jun 09, 2011, 11:08 PM EDT
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." My family on both sides came over during the famine so I'll bet I'm a prime target for one of these certificates of my Irishness. But for what purpose would I use it other than to sit in a drawer or...? I would be embarrassed to put something so tacky on my wall. Do I need a certificate that I am female or American? Seems like a BIG scam aimed directly for the wallets of who sport "Kiss me, I'm Irish" buttons and other unfortunate apparel on St. Patrick's Day.
Searlit | Jun 08, 2011, 07:32 PM EDT
Thanks for clearing the Irish Certificate issue up, jacersagain. I'll be applying.
kaydog1 | Jun 08, 2011, 06:53 PM EDT
I know what Mr Obama is mailing away for.....(he's ALREADY got one for "Englishness" on his mother's side, as he famously told the Queen the minute he landed from Moneygall, and for "African-ness" from his Kenyan Daddy, and for "Hawaiian-ness", and for "Arab-ness", and will have for for "Hebrew-ness" just as soon as he has to go to visit any Jewish voters.
cillowen | Jun 08, 2011, 06:47 PM EDT
for a $100 a head a pop it would be worth it. With a web site to boot, with photo (only if one wished it) and story of oneself/family. Expressing why they feel proud of being connected - likes - thingies Irish music, dance, art etc. Should include a category for others who feel an Irishness for whatever reason. Joyce Kilmer of "Trees" was one who felt Irish for example.
nanc1025 | Jun 08, 2011, 05:50 PM EDT
I cannot wait and I would be honored to get a certificat. I am doing my ancestry, have been to the family farm where my grandmother was born and still have family living on the farm. The fall cannot come soon enough for me!
jacersagain | Jun 08, 2011, 04:56 PM EDT
I should add that Irish Passport holders, whether in Ireland or outside of it, can also obtain these Certificates!
jacersagain | Jun 08, 2011, 04:49 PM EDT
I think the idea is to allow people with Irish Heritage who otherwise would not qualify for an Irish Passport to have something to show for their Irish roots. It is NOT an Irish passport document and will be more something like a family heirloom in time for future generations of those who qualify for and purchase the certificates – that’s certainly something worth getting for future generations and I would think the first holders of such certificates will be amongst the proudest and most treasured holders of these future family heirlooms. You can Google ‘feXco’ for more info on the financial services company solely approved by the Irish Govt to issue the Certificates.
jacersagain | Jun 08, 2011, 04:32 PM EDT
FYI of Searlit and all – FEXCO is the official Irish Govt-approved agency which will sell these Certificates to those who qualify for it. Here is what was announced in today’s Irish Tiimes newspaper: >>> "Kerry-based financial services company Fexco has won the concession to award certificates of Irish heritage to up to 70 million people worldwide. The awarding of the certificates is due begin in the autumn and about 20 jobs are to be created. ¬ The idea emerged out of the economic forum in Farmleigh House two years ago. (This forum was sponsored by the Irish Govt). ¬ Applicants will be asked to provide details of their Irish heritage and, in return for a fee, will see a certificate awarded. The scheme is set to be self-financing. Aside info: There is a site called diapora.ie which is also selling "Irishness Certificates". This site is NOT licenced or approved by the Irish Govt and works as a scam. Avoid at all costs!
Reilleyfam | Jun 08, 2011, 01:48 PM EDT
Certificates? We don't need no stinking certificates!! I bleed green. All I have to do is look in the mirror and at my own instincts and behavior to know I'm Irish = Irish on the inside!!!
John5319 | Jun 08, 2011, 12:18 PM EDT
Is this item a "photo-shopped" Certificate of Legal Nationality? LOL
Irishlassred | Jun 08, 2011, 11:23 AM EDT
And for all you grumpy nay sayers - God almighty no one is forcing you to come to this site. If you don't like it leave! It's just that simple. I also don't care if it makes tons of money for Ireland; that is from where I come, it is the sum of me: I like that and I like this certificate. So pfttt on the bummers posting here.
Irishlassred | Jun 08, 2011, 11:21 AM EDT
Who would want one and it's title? ME for one!! As I have said here, over and over, while I qualify for full citenzhip by virtue of my grandmother, to have one would complicate the security clearances of my son and son-in-law. I would never do that and so this the perfect plan B! Does it make me any less an American? Nope it just ties me, formally, to my ancestors that photos and letters can't do. I am pumped! Thanks, Naill I know I send you at least an email/week asking when? Fall seems a long way away but if it does materialize then it'll be OK. But no more delays!!
Searlit | Jun 08, 2011, 11:02 AM EDT
Well, I don't like the name "Certificate of Irishness'. It is kind of insulting, since you've already got Irish DNA. I am interested in whose company it is that are making these certificates. They're Kerry based, but I've never heard of FEXCO. Are they an authentic Irish company or a foreign corporation? Why not call it Irish Certificate? A genuine article. Some Irish posters, I won't name anyone, seem to think it is a bad idea. What if the money paid back your bailout loan? I would like to know if the money would go for that purpose. That's where I'd put my money down.
iamdiva | Jun 08, 2011, 10:52 AM EDT
What if all I have is the last name of my great-grandfather? Even though, I am almost half-Irish, I love this country and this culture. I can't imagine writing novels about anywhere else.
butlerreport | Jun 08, 2011, 10:16 AM EDT
Who would want one?
butlerreport | Jun 07, 2011, 11:34 PM EDT
What is the difference between this and selling family coat of arms and such? If people are interested let them take advantage of it- good lord pet rocks made someone millions of dollars and that certainly was a far dumber idea then this. Amazing how some wish to decide for us all what worthy and what is not.
ShamrockMiss | Jun 07, 2011, 09:05 PM EDT
It's interesting that Cathy Hayes neglected to include that this project created 20 new jobs in Co. Kerry. So much for quality journalism...
suzandpej | Jun 07, 2011, 07:24 PM EDT
Finding my family online link broken.
Towngate | Jun 07, 2011, 06:26 PM EDT
Of course they will be offering 'Certificates of Non-Irishness' as well. ~ ~ ~ This scheme is mad. If they have to prove a connection to qualify ... they already have a valid connection! This is just a ploy to dupe the poor Americans who have already contributed so much to Ireland and steal a few dollars more. I hope they ignore this 'cod-ology'!
Rebelforce | Jun 07, 2011, 06:18 PM EDT
Only a real sucker would pay for a worthless "certificate of Irishness" manufactured by some shameless, money-grubbing Oirish con artists. But as PT Barnum once observed, there's one born every minute.
mamaginnty | Jun 07, 2011, 05:59 PM EDT
Jasus Automan, exhaustion has stopped the oxygen from getting to your brain..
mamaginnty | Jun 07, 2011, 05:54 PM EDT
I don't know about nonsense, a lot of people from the states have enquired about the certs, as well as the rest of the world. People who want to show in some way that they are proud to have irish connections. Just like the thousands who call themselves irish Americans. Facebook could help spread the word ...Seanaci
Mairin67 | Jun 07, 2011, 03:12 PM EDT
This is nonsense.
antoman | Jun 07, 2011, 03:04 PM EDT
Kind of like me entertaining a hen party of seven American women who have come to Ireland for a week.Satisfying each one per night and giving her a receipt/certificate for the kitchen wall when she gets home home.Or to show the hubby.Reminds me of the whale that washed ashore in the south of Ireland years ago.Scientists determined it was over a 150 years old.When asked how they discovered it was this old.They replied that it had shat its birth certificate while loading it onto a flatbed.
FallsRNat | Jun 07, 2011, 02:20 PM EDT
there'll probably a €50 charge, that will rake in extra millions for the Dublin government.
seanaci | Jun 07, 2011, 02:13 PM EDT
Just after Mark Zuckerberg’s vist to the auld sod. What a coincidence. “Aghaidh-leabhar”, perhaps.