Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With regard to people who apply for Irish citizenship, we are aware there are record numbers trying to do this at the moment. Brexit has had an impact on this and is probably the biggest single factor in more people wanting to apply for Irish citizenship. Many of these are people who moved to Ireland from England, Scotland or other parts of the UK and they are now seeking to get Irish citizenship. Many have lived and worked here for years but when they look to get citizenship there is an exorbitant cost involved.

They have paid taxes. I mentioned ten years in the question but some who have been here for even less time than that have paid an enormous amount of tax while working in this country, yet are faced with a great charge when applying for citizenship. Their commitment to Ireland and the work they have done in this country needs to be reflected. We need to look at this issue again.

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