THE Government is considering extending the passports for investment scheme to the tourism sector.

Speaking in Dublin yesterday, the Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny, said his Department is looking at a proposal to allow wealthy foreign individuals to invest in tourism projects in return for Irish passports.

Investors are currently required to make an investment of around £1 million in the Irish economy to qualify for citizenship.

In its present form, Mr Kenny says, the passport scheme does make provisions for the tourism sector but such an application has never been pursued.

The Department of Tourism and Trade, he said, is now seeking clarification on whether the tourism sector can benefit under the scheme.

Wealthy foreign nationals have invested in a range of Irish business ventures over the years in return for citizenship. Mr Kenny was speaking before a meeting with US assistant secretary for commerce, Mr William Ginsberg.