Jurisdiction
The tradition of the Irish abroad seeking grants of arms from the Chief Herald continues to the present. Responding to this demand is an expression of the nation's "special affinity with those of Irish ancestry living abroad who share its cultural identity and heritage" expressed in Article 2 of the Constitution of Ireland. The Office accepts petitions for grants of arms from the following:
- All Irish citizens, male or female
- Persons normally resident in Ireland
- Persons living abroad who are of provable Irish descent in either the paternal or maternal line
- Persons with significant links to Ireland
- Corporate bodies within Ireland and corporate bodies with significant links to Ireland but based in countries with no heraldic authority.
In November 1945 the Chief Herald granted the coat of arms of Ireland to the State itself.
At the request of the Irish Government a Grant of Arms was made to U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Bill Clinton in 1995.
Read more about this topic: Genealogical Office
Famous quotes containing the word jurisdiction:
“The putting into force of laws which shall secure the conservation of our resources, as far as they may be within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, including the more important work of saving and restoring our forests and the great improvement of waterways, are all proper government functions which must involve large expenditure if properly performed.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)