Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
526. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if consideration could be given to reducing the maximum fee of €950 for naturalisation applicants in cases where the applicant has lived, worked and contributed taxes for a long period of time, i.e. thirty years in Ireland; if this could be added to the exemptions the Minister for Justice allows for in such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10190/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of difficulties faced by people born in England living and working, paying taxes in Ireland for a long period of time, i.e. 30 years, unable to apply for an Irish passport, given the fee of €950 associated with naturalisation which has to be completed first, and the impact this is having on limiting such people travelling abroad within the European Union with a British passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10191/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.
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 no current plans to amend the fees.
The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable 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, there is no certification fee.
