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Citizenship Applications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2008

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Ceisteanna (170)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis on which a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 can re-apply for citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45886/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must:

be of full age;

be of good character;

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;

intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation;

have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.

In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include:

periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State;

periods granted for the purposes of study;

periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.

It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to satisfy the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

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