Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
229. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that the cost of citizenship at an approximate minimum cost of €1,000 is prohibitive and acts as a deterrent to many residents who are fully settled in Ireland applying for citizenship and having a say in the democratic process; and if and how she will reduce this amount or implement a system whereby the amount due can be paid in instalments. [4741/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. 569 of 2011) sets out the fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation. An application fee of €175 is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil.
The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.
Once granted citizenship new citizens acquire the same rights as all other citizens. A leaflet informing new citizens of their right to register and vote in all elections in the State, and how they can register, is included in the information packs issued to all candidates at citizenship ceremonies. I do not accept that the fees related to naturalisation are a barrier to migrants in the State becoming Irish citizens. Where an applicant for naturalisation notifies the Citizenship division that they require more time to obtain the required fee a deferral of the granting of the certificate can, of course, be facilitated. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no plans to reduce or abolish these fees.
