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about arrival, accommodation or legal status. It is also about integration. Integration remains a central objective of that approach and for many people citizenship represents the culmination of a successful integration journey. Irish citizenship is a significant status that reflects a lasting commitment between an individual … more than residence in Ireland. It reflects a lasting and enduring bond with this country, its people and our shared future. As citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society, it is important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship remain robust, fair and sustainable

faoi imirce agus saoránacht. Migration is a critical area of public policy that must be got right. Setting the terms of Irish citizenship is a matter of fundamental importance. Citizenship should reward integration and contribution to our communities and our country. Citizenship laws should be connected … public services, our capacity to integrate those who come here and the need for a humanitarian response to those fleeing war and persecution. Citizenship laws are about ensuring that people who have legally been here on a long-term basis, made Ireland their home and integrated into their

make her contribution. I will begin my reply by saying that we had a debate today that covered migration and citizenship. The difficulty in doing that in one joint debate is that I felt there was quite a lot of conflating of various issues which, unfortunately … that is actually delivering for the State. It is really important that in looking at the argument, be it migration or be it citizenship, that we try to have a discussion. To be honest, I frankly find it insulting that when certain Deputies stand up, their contribution could

need to be able to speak about migration and citizenship calmly, openly and honestly because if we do not talk about these issues in this House, people will talk about them elsewhere and very often without the facts. I represent Carlow-Kilkenny and I listen to people … have a right to remain, that decision also has to mean something. However, there is another side to this discussion and that is citizenship. I acknowledge that there is a real concern among many newcomers to Ireland about the proposed changes to our citizenship rules and what those

came here in 1954 to study medicine in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She loved this country. She did not hold citizenship for almost 40 years after having seven children and working in a rural practice. She took out an Irish passport in her later years … have residency here, and we should not conflate that and scare people who are long-term residents here and have not applied for citizenship heretofore. While we look at reform of our citizenship requirements, we should make that clear to people. It is important that we have

consider them at face value rather than ascribing a motivation to them. I believe they are in many ways common-sense proposals. Citizenship is among the most important rights a state can confer on an individual. It is not just a paper document. It is a reflection … Ireland and a commitment by the citizen to actively participate in the life of our nation, in our communities and in our democracy. Citizenship offers an individual the opportunity to actively participate together with others who call this island home and those around the world who are summoned

welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate on migration and citizenship. One of my biggest regrets of the past few years is that in the social media age there is a tendency to run immediately to the black or white. Immigration policy has fallen into a trap … privileged to do so. I am very proud to be able to represent many of those people, many of whom have acquired citizenship. One of the most touching things a public representative can get is an email from one of those new citizens saying that they had their

that is not based on name-calling and accusations. That said, I fundamentally disagree with the proposal to change the basis on which citizenship by naturalisation would come about. In my opinion, we do not need to increase it to eight years. It does not bring … line with Europe. Thirteen of the 27 EU countries have a requirement of five years or fewer for citizenship. I think only six require eight years, for example. That does not matter, to my mind. When we look at the requirements in different countries, there are all kinds

Irish citizenship is something to be valued. It represents membership of our nation, carries rights and responsibilities and should reflect a genuine and lasting commitment to Ireland. When I first heard the Government was looking to change citizenship rules I thought it was just a smokescreen to hide … citizens. All the Government has done is create uncertainty for these people, and to me this is wrong. I recognise any changes to citizenship rules can create uncertainty for those seeking to acquire Irish citizenship, and this needs to be considered. For too long successive governments of Fianna

topic. I have been receiving a significant amount of correspondence in recent weeks, as, I am sure, have all TDs, on the proposed citizenship changes. I am totally against the changes to the residency period requirement to apply for citizenship. They are totally unnecessary. This is an attempt … built up no residency requirement credit. That is a disgrace. Ukrainians are in the same scenario, with their time here not counting towards citizenship. How on earth does four years of scientific research on behalf of the State count for nothing? How does five years working

could not speak the language in court and he never worked a day in his life. Despite this, that person had Irish citizenship. How does that happen? Irish citizenship should be valued. It should be something to be worked for and something to be earned. Generations of Irish … women have fought and bled for this nation, and this Government has thrown out citizenship far too easily. I asked the Minister for Social Protection how many people are on social welfare benefits who are new arrivals to the country and have a similar history of not working

welcome today's opportunity to discuss migration and citizenship because although this is an issue that dominated public discourse in 2024 when we were all engaged in the election, it has receded somewhat given the geopolitical tensions that are abounding and the energy and cost-of-living crises … context in which the Government has chosen to take this direction in its term of office in terms of migration and citizenship. I talk about cruel decisions. The one we are dealing with in the Government's current strategy around moving from five to eight years is just

honest about what is happening here with the new proposed citizenship Bill. This is the latest episode of Jim O'Callaghan trying to clamber his way to the top of Fianna Fáil on the backs of vulnerable people. In this case, it is the people who make … true that this would bring us into line with other EU countries. No other EU country has all three of the bars to citizenship in this proposed Bill, namely, the salary bar, the benefits bar and the debt bar. Twenty-one of 27 EU countries do not have

When the legislation comes forward, I hope we have ample debating time. I told the Tánaiste that we need a citizens' convention on citizenship, immigration and asylum issues. We need to have a proper debate, get rid of the myths and the conspiracy theories and look at facts … left wing but to be clear, morally, anyone who has made a contribution to this country should have a pathway to citizenship. It does not mean it should be an easy pathway because Irish citizenship is a privilege and not a right but so many people have contacted

welcome the opportunity to speak on these statements on migration and citizenship. Sinn Féin’s position is clear. We want a strong, fair and efficient migration system that supports the ambition and interests of the people of this State, while reflecting the inherent decency of the Irish people … state. We need better data collection on entry and exit and the urgent pursuit of a legally binding, bilateral agreement with Britain. Irish citizenship is deeply valuable. It represents membership of our nation, carries rights and responsibilities and reflects a genuine commitment to Ireland. We recognise the immense

Citizenship is not merely a legal status; it is a statement of belonging. It is how people who have built their lives here, work here, raise their families here and contribute to our society become full and equal members of that society. Each country has the right … determine the rules around how it grants citizenship to others - no one disputes that. However, the proposals being advanced by the Government, specifically the increase in the time period from five to eight years, moves us in the wrong direction. These changes will make the pathway to citizenship

have not yet seen the bones of this legislation but we are hearing what is coming down the line in respect of citizenship criteria. I am generally supportive of it. I think we need to have bookended policy that defines what citizenship is. That is quite standard … some honouring of that. They have already bought into the system and applied. They are in a long queue to have their citizenship and naturalisation determined. Some accommodation needs to be made for that. It has been said there will have to be a proficiency in speaking

shall be the Motion re Public Transport and Fare Increases, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on Migration and Citizenship (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes) - Industrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026 (Report and Final Stages) (to commence no earlier … shall, in any event, be taken on the conclusion of Government Business; and (b) in the event the Statements on Migration and Citizenship conclude before 4.37 p.m., the siting shall stand suspended until 4.37 p.m. when the order of business shall resume with the Industrial Development (Amendment

welcome these statements and thank the Minister of State for his work to date. Irish citizenship is one of the most important things this State can confer. It is a legal status, a bond with the country and a commitment to its future. I welcome the general scheme … Irish nationality and citizenship (amendment) Bill. Eight years' residence instead of five, language and civics tests and, importantly, a requirement to be self-sufficient are not unusual. Austria, Italy, Spain and Slovenia require ten years, and most member states test language and civic knowledge. That matters because

entire community sad and in shock at a very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse. Migration and citizenship are issues that we all need to be able to have an open, mature and honest conversation about, and not name calling across the Chamber … must strive to never let speculation replace facts. We cannot allow myths, misinformation or disinformation to become a substitute for the facts. Irish citizenship is of enormous value. For generations, Irish people have travelled to countries all across the globe. We know what migration means for both sides

What the Minister is proposing in relation to these citizenship changes is nothing more than performative cruelty. There is no evidence for this because if the evidence existed, then the Minister would publish it. He has not done so and he will not do so. The people … stamp 4 process. They have spent their lives here. If they were to up sticks and leave, our health service could potentially collapse. Citizenship should not depend on income, because the income threshold will disproportionately affect people in lower paid but valuable employment - such as care workers; people

workers to making sure that we have fruit and vegetables on our tables, we are seeing people coming to this country to contribute. Citizenship should not be given away easily, of that I have no doubt. There have to be standards expected of anyone who comes here … five to eight years. I have constituents and friends who may already have started in the system or have not yet applied for citizenship and often have Irish partners. They are very concerned about these proposals. I welcomed the step forward when the Taoiseach said that for those

some of the debate, there seems to be a muddying of the waters as to what we are proposing in relation to citizenship and then the discussion in regards to migration. Ireland has always been a welcoming nation. However, over the last couple of years, we have realised … people to join the party. That is the political broadcast finished for now. At the same time, it has to be recognised that citizenship is not a right, but a privilege. People need to strive for it and work at it and ultimately be proud

right and I ask the Minister of State to get it right. As regards the other changes, particularly with regard to citizenship, no one is coming to me saying there is a big problem with citizenship. The problem is trying to apply for it and the difficulties applicants

that it is unnecessary, divisive and damaging. There has never been any demand in this Dáil or anywhere else for a discussion about citizenship. In fact, all I have heard about is IPAS centres and "illegals". Suddenly, we have a problem with citizenship. The Government is failing

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will confirm that the proposed Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 will make no change to the entitlement to Irish citizenship by descent under section 7 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total revenue received by the State from citizenship-related fees in 2025; the amount spent on the administration of the citizenship process, including citizenship ceremonies; the destination of any surplus revenue generated

Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration given the proposed Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 relates only to citizenship acquired through naturalisation and not to citizenship acquired through descent, if there are plans to amend the rules, eligibility criteria, or administrative

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of two citizenship applications (details supplied); the reason for the continued delay in issuing approval letters following the Department's confirmation that a back end technical fault affecting these 2022 files was resolved … August 2026 (details supplied); the outstanding steps, including any digital sign-off, required to finalise and release these grants of citizenship; and the timeframe for completion. [67350/26

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of cases identified since 2016 in which a person who had acquired Irish citizenship was subsequently found to have provided false, misleading or fraudulent information in an immigration, international protection, residence or citizenship application; the number in which revocation

Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department currently collects any information regarding the proficiency in English or Irish of persons granted citizenship; if so, the number granted citizenship in each of the past five years who were assessed as having limited or no proficiency in either language

Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, a person who has started the residency needed for citizenship which currently stands at five years, will have to wait for the new proposed time

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons granted citizenship on the basis of marriage or civil partnership with an Irish citizen in each year since 2015 and to date in 2026; the number of applications refused because the marriage … partnership was deemed not genuine or enduring; the number subsequently identified as marriages of convenience; the number of citizenship revocation proceedings arising from such cases, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65016/26

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the matters proposed to be covered by a citizenship civic-knowledge test; if applicants will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the Constitution, democratic institutions, Irish history, rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the values

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will confirm that the proposed Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 regarding proposed conditions as to reckonable residence, language testing, and economic self-sufficiency will apply solely to applications for a certificate … naturalisation for resident non-nationals, and will not apply to applications of citizenship by descent. [65082/26

Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the proposed Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 will make no change to the entitlement to Irish citizenship by descent (details supplied); how the proposals have regard to the recognition in Article

Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will include transitional protections and measures in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Amendment Bill 2026 specifically in relation to the issue of spousal visas for the naturalisations of spouses of Irish citizenships and the proposal

Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider introducing legislative amendments to the upcoming Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 to provide a pathway to citizenship for the non-EEA spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens residing abroad outside the jurisdiction

Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any flexibility that will be applied for people that are in the process of applying for citizenship prior to the imminent changes in citizenship requirements (details supplied). [65468/26

Migration if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of those already in Ireland and in the process of applying for citizenship in relation to the imminent changes in citizenship requirements (details supplied). [65467/26

Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if any proposed changes to the timeline or eligibility requirements for Irish citizenship will apply to people who are resident in the State under a critical skills employment permit; and if individuals who have moved to Ireland … critical skills employment permit and have established their careers and lives in the State will be protected from any retrospective changes to the citizenship pathway. [65947/26

asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether Stamp 0 residence accumulated prior to the commencement of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 will continue to be recognised as reckonable residence for naturalisation purposes; and whether transitional protections will apply to existing Stamp

Migration if the Government will consider protecting, either fully or partially, Temporary Protection Residence accumulated before the commencement of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026. [68270/26

Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify if a person (details supplied) who is currently on a stamp 4 visa, can apply for citizenship; to clarify the steps to take if the current stamp 4 visa expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68483/26

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to PQ68181/26, if consideration was given to the effect of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 on Irish citizens themselves — not just on the foreign-national spouse — of retroactively extending the timeline for their own husband, wife

Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on citizenship applications (details supplied). [68494/26

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied); and when the applications are expected to be finalised. [68870/26

Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2026, if any person who holds any period of reckonable residence on the day the act commences, continues to be assessed under the residence conditions in force on that

Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a grandfather clause in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 to ensure that marriages entered into before 2025 remain subject to the existing three-year residency requirement for spouses of Irish

were required to leave the State; the number made subject to deportation orders; the number whose subsequent applications for visas, residence permissions, citizenship or re-entry were refused, in whole or in part, on the basis of previous non-compliance with immigration permissions. [67600/26