Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Citizenship Applications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

491 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a non-Irish citizen married to a person who is an Irish citizen, can apply for and accept Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship in the situation where after the required three year period of subsisting marriage the Irish citizen spouse dies or the parties separate. [22362/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956 to 2001, make no provision for the acquisition of post-nuptial citizenship in the circumstances contemplated by the Deputy's question. This is because at the point in time when the relevant statutory declaration is lodged the couple in question must be parties to a subsisting marriage and must be living together as husband and wife.