Martin Ferris
Question:181. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of applying for citizenship for an EU citizen who is married to an Irish national. [8610/14]
View answerThursday, 20 February 2014
Questions (181)
Written answers
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 set out the prescribed fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation. An application fee of €175 is payable by all applicants for a certificate of naturalisation. A certification fee is payable by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil. The standard certification fee is payable where the applicant is the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen, whether they are an EU citizen or a national of another country.
The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. Every application, including those made on the basis of marriage to an Irish citizen, must be assessed to establish if the statutory requirements are met. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
As the Deputy will be aware I have introduced formal citizenship ceremonies at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.