Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2009
119 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible for the Australian spouse of an Irish national, who lives with their spouse in Australia, to become a naturalised citizen of Ireland without residing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5353/09]
View answerThe Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non-national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age; be of good character; be married to the Irish citizen for a period of not less than three years; be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting; be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse; have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland after naturalisation; have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation with my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
