Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when persons (details supplied) will be permitted to submit applications for citizenship in respect of their two children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9798/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a Certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

There is no automatic right to Irish citizenship for the children of Non-EEA national parents resident in the State. Minors cannot apply for naturalisation in their own right, any application must be made by their parent, legal guardian or person acting on the child's behalf "in loco parentis".

From the information provided, the following types of applications for Irish citizenship may be relevant for the persons referred to by the Deputy:

• One of the child’s parents has already been naturalised;
• One of the child’s parents held 3 years reckonable residence in the State prior to the birth of that child;
• The child was born in the State and was not entitled to Irish citizenship at the time of birth, but has since accumulated 3 years’ reckonable residence.