Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach and thank the officials for the presentation and the work both Departments are dealing with.

Let us open by examining the misinformation that is out there. People seem to be getting confused between those who are claiming international protection and those who come with work permits. My understanding, based on the last figures I saw, is that something like 530,000 people are working here, who are not Irish citizens. They work here and are paying tax. There is a bit of confusion on the figures.

On the citizenship issue, do we have any idea of the figures for each year over the last ten years for people from abroad who have applied for Irish citizenship and complied with all the rules?