Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
151. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the circumstances under which a foreign-born national residing in Northern Ireland may apply for Irish citizenship; the way in which this differs to the circumstances under which a foreign-born national residing here may apply for citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20739/16]
View answerThe entitlement to Irish citizenship, as well as the conditions pertaining to a grant of Irish citizenship through naturalisation, are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
In general a person acquires Irish citizenship through one of the following ways:
(i) entitlement to Irish citizenship for certain persons born in the island of Ireland;
(ii) entitlement by descent if one of his or her parents was an Irish citizen at the time of the person's birth;
(iii) by naturalisation at the absolute discretion of the Minister.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website at www.inis.gov.ie.
