Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

We are anxious to ensure we do not develop a backlog of those to whom citizenship has been granted, as that would cause them to have to wait an undue amount of time before swearing their allegiance to this State and getting their certificates.

Paragraph (d) makes a number of amendments to section 16 of the 1956 Act. It amends the definition of "Irish associations" to include civil partners. Paragraph (f) amends section 19(1)(e) of the 1956 Act to include a reference to civil partnership. Paragraphs (g), (h) and (i) are being included to replace sections 20, 22 and 23 of the 1956 Act, respectively, with appropriate wording referring to civil partners or civil partnership. I hope this amendment will receive the support of the House.

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