Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
270. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the number of Ukrainian nationals, who may have lost their own documentation, who have been granted Irish citizenship since the beginning of the Russian invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16026/23]
View answer277. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice if a Ukrainian national who has arrived in Ireland and has lost all ID documentation due to the Russian invasion can apply for and legitimately obtain Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16028/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 277 together.
Those fleeing the war in Ukraine are granted Temporary Protection.
The EU Temporary Protection Directive was activated by the EU Council in March 2022 in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Council Decision to activate the Directive places specific obligations on Ireland and on all EU Member States, including the duration of the Temporary Protection to be awarded and the State supports and services that the beneficiary should be entitled to.
Temporary Protection was granted initially for one year, but this has now been extended to March 2024. Those who are granted Temporary Protection here in Ireland have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary.
Officials from my Department assess applications made under the Temporary Protection Directive and issue a Temporary Protection certificate to each eligible person.
Further information on the process for applying for Temporary Protection is available on my Department's website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/temporary-protection-for-people-fleeing-the-conflict-in-ukraine/.
Applicants for Citizenship by naturalisation are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is 3 years. In both cases, the final 12 months, prior to the submitting of the application, must be continuous residence in the State.
Since the 01 March 2022 to date 167 Ukrainian nationals have been granted a Certificate of Naturalisation. To clarify, these people will have resided in Ireland prior to the war and, as part of the application process, have met the criteria as set down in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended including the reckonable residency requirement.
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/.
