Vol. 415 No. 3
53 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether the financial circumstances of applicants is a factor which is considered on applications for citizenship; if wealthy applicants are given preference; and if so the amount of wealth required to obtain such preference.
The wealth of an individual making an application for naturalisation is not a consideration, except in the context that it may be considered that a wealthy person is less likely to become a burden on the State than somebody who demonstrably cannot support himself. The statutory conditions which must be complied with by an applicant for naturalisation relate to the character of the applicant, residence here etc. and are set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956-86. Compliance with these conditions does not confer an entitlement to naturalisation, the grant of which is, under the legislation, at the absolute discretion of the Minister.
