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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

migration system which protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework. In that context, the general scheme of the Irish nationality and citizenship Bill 2026 proposes a number of reforms to the citizenship process. Citizenship represents, I believe, the fullest expression of membership of Irish society … important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable. The proposed changes do not seek to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are intended to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and lasting connection to Ireland, an understanding

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

system as much as possible so that people can get their passports quickly. The Deputy then raised the issue of people who seek citizenship through naturalisation. I had the great privilege of being down in Killarney on Monday when a judge was handing out citizenship. I was there … celebrate the citizenship of new Irish citizens. The Deputy would be surprised at the number of people there who have been in Ireland for years. I hope Mr. David Evans, also known as the Edge, does not mind me mentioning him but he has some public prominence

bringing forward. It is a policy which at its heart is about introducing a modern, progressive system in relation to citizenship, that is fair for our country and for people going through the process. The combination of measures we are looking at includes a civics element whereby people … quite different across different countries. I do not disagree with him. I happen to think that we are strengthening that connection through citizenship by increasing the period of time for which somebody would be in the country before citizenship is granted. Citizenship is a privilege for anybody

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

scandals of defective concrete products all across Ireland, from east to west and north to south, and that there is first-class citizenship and there is second-class citizenship. If you are in Dublin and Leinster, the pyrite remediation scheme that has helped almost 3,000 families … where people are living in shocking conditions but cannot afford to go through the scheme, so they are just left behind - second-class citizenship. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland was tasked with looking at the costings in 2023. In March 2024, the society reported to Government

apartheid system to ensure Israeli domination over Palestinians. In Israel, any Jewish person can immigrate to Israel and claim citizenship immediately, while Palestinians are refused the right to return to their family homes. Israeli citizenship law places far more restrictions on Arabs in obtaining Israeli citizenship. People from … vast majority of the Middle East such as Iraq, Yemen and the occupied territories are barred from gaining Israeli citizenship. The education system in Israel is split between Jewish, Jewish secular and Arab schools. Arab schools are systematically underfunded. Palestinians in Israel cannot leave even if they

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

certificate. At the heart of naturalisation is the need for the Department to be able to identify the person who is seeking Irish citizenship. It is an essential part of the naturalisation process that people in my Department go back and examine the past of the individual seeking … Irish citizenship to ensure that what he or she is saying is correct. There are factors that could preclude a person from achieving Irish citizenship. Let us remember Irish citizenship is not a right but a privilege we give to individuals based upon an application process

thank the Deputy for his question and his remarks. Earlier this week I was delighted to attend the citizenship ceremonies held in Killarney along with the Ministers of State, Deputies Collins and Buttimer. It is a wonderful ceremony to go to. We had 5,200 new Irish citizens … applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments and the introduction of evetting. This digitisation has facilitated a record number of citizenship decisions made last year. In just over two years, my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over

facilities, returns programmes, border enforcement and the hardening of asylum procedures. We know what Ireland is doing right now domestically. It is increasing citizenship residency requirements from three years to five years, narrowing family reunification and introducing charges on people in IPAS accommodation. I will come back … standard that is remarkable. It has introduced a condition whereby access to welfare would somehow diminish a person's right to citizenship. Nobody has told me whether, for example, a person who lost an arm in a conflict and needs a disability payment will remove the person

want the Deputy to know that Irish passports and citizenship are not granted easily. I am sure that if the Minister for foreign affairs were here, he would confirm that is true of passports. With regard to citizenship, many colleagues in this House ask me about citizenship applications … process is so lengthy. The reason is that you have to do very significant vetting and testing before an individual is granted citizenship. That is done vigorously. The criticism I usually face from people in the House is that it takes too long and that the process should

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

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of citizenship applications received; the number of citizenship applications processed; the number of citizenship applications still processing; the average processing time for citizenship applications, broken down by year; from 2018 to date

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

asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the fact that refugees who applied for citizenship prior to 8 December 2025 have been sent a letter from the citizenship unit advising them to submit "compelling reasons"; the reason the previous … practice of refugees applying for citizenship three years from the date of their asylum application should apply to them; the “compelling reasons” the Department would consider to be in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47087/26

Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm that an applicant for Irish citizenship can leave to an EU country to study abroad while their Irish citizenship application is pending provided they can attend any required appointments in Ireland such … citizenship ceremony; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35876/26

Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following his signing of the commencement order on 7 April 2025 reestablishing the power to revoke naturalised Irish citizenship under Section 19 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended by the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions … been successfully revoked to date; if he will outline the specific criteria and thresholds being applied to determine cases of fraudulent acquisition of citizenship and cases involving a serious risk or threat to the State; the resources and staffing allocated within his Department to administer the revocation process

Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify the position of citizenship applicants who had achieved the requisite three years residency but who have fallen short of the five years required under the new regime; to clarify the position of persons … commenced the process of applying for citizenship; his plans to provide for legal pathways to immigration and citizenship acquisition here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74274/25

Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has assessed the potential impact of the proposed changes to citizenship eligibility on Ireland’s ability to attract and retain migrant workers; the evidence base that was used to show that increasing the residence requirement … citizenship from five to eight years will improve integration outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70690/26

position regarding any allowances being considered for people legally resident in Ireland and in the process of meeting the requirements for Irish citizenship in the context of imminent changes in citizenship requirements. [69773/26

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

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of occasions on which Irish citizenship has been revoked under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 since the enactment of the new revocation procedures; and the breakdown of the grounds relied upon

Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of cases currently under consideration for the revocation of Irish citizenship from naturalised citizens under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. [53997/26