Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1086. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if new Irish citizens signing an affidavit of loyalty to the State while citizenship ceremonies are cancelled during the pandemic will still be required to pay the €950 fee; if she will remove the fee for certification of naturalisation for all new citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33871/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fees in relation to applications for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011.
The fees are in two parts - the current application fee is €175, payable when an application for naturalisation is lodged; and a certification fee which is payable when a certificate of naturalisation issues. 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, there is no certification fee.
There is no provision for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees, or for different fees to be applied. I am informed that the introduction of the application fee had an immediate positive effect on the quality and completeness of applications which is ultimately to the benefit of applicants. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are currently no plans to amend the fees.
The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation which, given the benefits involved, is quite a detailed process.
Citizenship fees have not increased in the past 9 years notwithstanding that considerable investments has taken place including a new website and an e-payments facility. More enhancements to the application process are also in development including plans to introduce on-line application forms and the introduction of E-Vetting – measures aimed at speeding up and streamlining processing.
It remains my intention that large scale citizenship ceremonies will recommence once circumstances allow.
