Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
566. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the reason a naturalisation application by a person (details supplied) was deemed ineligible on certain grounds; the steps that can be taken to reopen this application and progress their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14911/23]
View answerThe citizenship application of the person referred to by the Deputy was deemed ineligible as the Statutory Declaration was witnessed by an out of date passport. The Statutory Declaration can be witnessed by the applicant producing an in date passport, national identity card or a travel document.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and all applications are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Act. Each application is assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
It is open to this individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
