Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1346. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 707 of 24 February 2021, when her Department will publish the good character criteria used when adjudicating citizenship applications. [39572/21]
View answerMy Department is currently preparing detailed guidelines on the good character criterion, that incorporates various work streams, and research on other jurisdictions. Once the guidelines are finalised they will be published on the website of the Immigration Service of my Department.
When published, it is hoped that the guidelines will assist applicants to better understand the good character assessment criteria when making an application for citizenship.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union, as well as international level. It is therefore important that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that the integrity of the process is held in high regard both at home and internationally. Section 15 of the Act specifically refers to good character.
Irish citizenship, and by extension an Irish passport, is one of the most sought after in the world. Ireland, in common with many nations, has a requirement that applicants demonstrate that they are of good character. What exactly good character entails evolves over time, not least to take account of the enactment of new laws. However, an applicant needs to have demonstrated a history of compliance with the laws of the land. An applicant's good character is assessed in a number of ways, including but not limited to:
- An Garda Síochána vetting;
- Home Country Police clearance; and
- Adherence to the laws and regulations of the State. (This includes laws and regulations relating to revenue, social welfare and driving and transport).
The application form for naturalisation specifically requires the applicant to list any offences and also provides an opportunity to provide additional details regarding any such offences. The fact that a person has committed an offence does not automatically result in their refusal. The individual facts of each case are assessed. Applicants who are refused are provided with the reasons for their refusal.
