28. —(1) Any person who claims to be an Irish citizen, other than a naturalised Irish citizen, may apply to the Minister or, if resident outside F62[the island of Ireland], to any Irish diplomatic officer or consular officer for a certificate of nationality stating that the applicant is, at the date of the certificate, an Irish citizen; and the Minister or officer, if satisfied that—

(a) the applicant is an Irish citizen, and

(b) the issue of the certificate is necessary in all the circumstances of the case,

may issue a certificate of nationality to him accordingly.

(2) A document purporting to be a certificate of nationality, duly authenticated by the seal of the Minister or of a diplomatic or F63[consular officer, or by the signature of an officer of the Minister duly authorised in that behalf by the Minister,] shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that the person named therein was, at the date thereof, an Irish citizen.

F64[(3) The Minister may revoke a certificate of nationality if he or she is satisfied that the issue of the certificate was obtained by fraud, misrepresentation (including innocent misrepresentation) or failure to disclose material information.]