Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a means can be found to resolve impediments to the naturalisation process in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42770/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department has no record of a naturalisation application being received in respect of the person referred to.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and to provide such further information in support of that application.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Act and assessed individually. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received. Applicants are required to have five years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is three years. In both cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to six weeks allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business, family or holiday purposes.
More information on the criteria for making an application for a certificate of naturalisation can be found on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
