Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
195. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice how many citizenship ceremonies are planned for 2024; the expected months for citizenship ceremonies in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8624/24]
View answer196. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of citizenship ceremonies planned in 2024; and if she will provide a schedule of same, by date. [8412/24]
View answer197. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice how many citizenship ceremonies are planned for 2024, and the expected months for citizenship ceremonies this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8426/24]
View answer199. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice the number of citizenship ceremonies anticipated in 2024; the month or months in which they will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8475/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, and 199 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for applicants to complete the naturalisation process.
Last year Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of the year. These took place in the RDS, Dublin in March, in the INEC, Killarney in June, and in the Convention Centre in both October and December. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022.
It is envisioned a similar schedule of Ceremonies will be held this year with the first one scheduled for next Monday, February 28.
As the Deputy will appreciate, these events require considerable planning and Citizenship Division issues invitations to successful applicants at the earliest possible opportunity. As plans for further ceremonies are confirmed this information will be put into the public domain.
Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/
