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Citizenship Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Questions (276)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

276. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which the American birth children of an Irish citizen may be granted Irish citizenship; the general duration of the process from application to grant; and if there are mechanisms in which the process can be expedited. [30406/21]

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Written answers

Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.

For individuals born outside of Ireland, they may claim citizenship if they had at least one parent who was born in the island of Ireland and where that parent is an Irish citizen.  An individual born on the island of Ireland before 2005 is automatically an Irish citizen. 

Individuals born outside of Ireland can also claim citizenship through a parent who was not born in Ireland but was an Irish citizen at the time of the individual's birth, or through a grandparent born in Ireland. Individuals who wish to claim citizenship through these means must have his/her birth entered on the Foreign Births Register (FBR). Citizenship commences after inclusion on the FBR. Further details regarding the process can be consulted at the Passport Service's website.

The Department of Foreign Affairs operates a clear and transparent general policy for processing FBR applications. In situations where the completion of registrations potentially impact on the rights of a person, it will consider urgent requests to expedite registered applications on a case by case basis. Such applicants are advised on the Department’s website to make contact with the Passport Service through the WebChat service.

An individual may also apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation. Minimum residency terms must be satisfied before an individual is eligible for citizenship through naturalisation. The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters, including applications for naturalisation.

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