Martin Browne
Question:1547. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice if supports are available for citizenship applicants who have limited means and are discouraged from applying due to the significant cost. [40164/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (1547)
Written answers
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no current plans to amend the fees.
The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). There is no provision in the Regulations for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees, or for differing fees to apply to different nationalities or classes of applicant. The application fee of €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is only payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation for successful applicants.
The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons, there is no certification fee.
Question No. 1548 withdrawn.