I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, and 199 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for applicants to complete the naturalisation process.
Last year Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of the year. These took place in the RDS, Dublin in March, in the INEC, Killarney in June, and in the Convention Centre in both October and December. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022.
It is envisioned a similar schedule of Ceremonies will be held this year with the first one scheduled for next Monday, February 28.
As the Deputy will appreciate, these events require considerable planning and Citizenship Division issues invitations to successful applicants at the earliest possible opportunity. As plans for further ceremonies are confirmed this information will be put into the public domain.
Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/