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Immigration Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020

Tuesday, 15 December 2020

Questions (429)

James Lawless

Question:

429. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the process by which persons of Irish descent can retire in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43244/20]

View answer

Written answers

There are two application processes administered by the Immigration Service of my Department that may enable persons of Irish descent who wish to retire in Ireland to do so. These are an application for naturalisation on the basis of Irish descent or association, and an application for a Stamp 0.

The 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 an applicant to apply under Section 16(a) of the 1956 Act where the applicant is of Irish descent or has Irish association. Under the legislation, a person is of Irish association if they are related by blood, affinity or adoption to a person (living or deceased) who is or was an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen. A civil partner of such a person may also qualify.

Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended gives the Minister the absolute discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations.

An application under Section 16 should be supported by substantive documentation supporting the claim, which renders the application exceptional and one where the normal pathways to citizenship provided for under the legislation are not appropriate. Applicants are also expected to have a reasonable period of lawful residence in the State, generally around 3 years, to show they have some substantial and tangible connection with Irish society and the State.

The alternative route to residency in the State for persons of Irish descent wishing to retire is to make an application for a Stamp 0 as an Elderly Dependent or as a Person of Independent Means.

Non-visa required nationals can submit their Stamp 0 application from inside or outside of the State. Visa required nationals must submit the application from outside of the State. Once the application is approved, they then apply for a Long Stay D visa to enter the State.

Both visa and non-visa required nationals are required to register with their local immigration office within 90 days of arrival in the State, following the grant of the immigration permission/entry to the State. Permission to remain is granted in one-year blocks. It may be renewed provided that the holder continues to satisfy the criteria upon which the permission was originally granted.

Further information on the application process and criteria for Stamp 0 can be found on the Immigration Service website at: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Stamp%200.

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