Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
68. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures British citizens living here will have to take in relation to Irish citizenship in the event of Britain leaving the European Union after their referendum on the matter; if they can apply for dual citizenship or a passport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16689/16]
View answerThe entitlement to Irish citizenship, as well as the conditions pertaining to a grant of citizenship through naturalisation, are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Act. Under Irish law it is possible for an Irish national to hold dual citizenship; the acquisition of Irish citizenship is not contingent on the renunciation of the citizenship of another jurisdiction. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie.
As outlined, the grant of citizenship is a national competency and there are no current plans to amend the legislation. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the upcoming UK referendum except to say that it is our intention to maintain the existing arrangements with regard to the United Kingdom. Should an issue arise in this area during any possible future negotiations between the UK and the other EU member states, the position will be revisited at that stage.
