Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in cases such as a case (details supplied) if consideration is being given to a separate process particularly in the context of Brexit; if not, if there are increased numbers in this category; if so, the numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33553/17]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. It is open to any individual who may wish to become an Irish citizen to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Act. Every application for a certificate of naturalisation is considered on its own merits having regard to the statutory conditions set out in the Act. There is no provision for a separate process or for differing conditions to apply to applications from different nationalities.
An application for a certificate of naturalisation has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy and this is currently being processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The number of applications for naturalisation received from British nationals in 2015 was 70, in 2016 was 570 and in 2017 to date is 400 approximately.
As the Deputy is aware, it is our intention to maintain the existing arrangements with regard to the United Kingdom, and the Government position is to protect the Common Travel Area arrangements. As outlined, the grant of Irish citizenship is a national competency and there are no current plans to amend the legislation. There are also no plans to change the current position regarding the Common Travel Area in advance of knowing what will be the ultimate arrangements relating to the UK withdrawal from the EU. Should an issue arise in this area during any negotiations between the UK and the other EU member states, the position will be revisited at that stage.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains guidance on the completion of an application for naturalisation.
