Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2024
386. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the rules surrounding citizenship that relate to non-Irish spouses of Irish citizens; the residency or property ownership issues involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40231/24]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
There are no provisions for the spouse or partner of an Irish citizen to acquire Irish citizenship solely by virtue of a marriage or civil partnership with an Irish citizen. The legal provision that provided for post nuptial citizenship was repealed with effect from 30 November 2005.
Section 15A of the 1956 Act sets out the conditions that apply where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen. The requirements are that the couple have been married to or civil partners of each other for a period of at least three years and are living together; and that the applicant has 3 years’ reckonable residence on the island of Ireland prior to making an application, with the final 12 months being continuous residence.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as specified in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and pay the appropriate fees.
Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/
There is no provisions in the 1956 Act relating to home or property ownership in the State.
