Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2016
39. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures British citizens living here will have to take in respect of Irish citizenship given that the British electorate has voted to leave the European Union; if British citizens living here can apply for dual citizenship or a passport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19223/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe entitlement to Irish citizenship, as well as the conditions pertaining to a grant of citizenship through naturalisation, are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship through naturalisation, if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Act. The statutory 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 application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, andundertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
Under Irish law it is possible for an Irish citizen to hold dual citizenship; the acquisition of Irish citizenship is not contingent on the renunciation of the citizenship of another jurisdiction. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie.
As outlined, the grant of citizenship is a national competency and there are no current plans to amend the legislation. It is our intention to maintain the existing arrangements with regard to the United Kingdom. Should an issue arise in this area during any possible future negotiations between the UK and the other EU member states, the position will be revisited at that stage.
The issuing of an Irish passport is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
