Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I sincerely thank the Minister of State for that substantive response. I am slightly enthused by it because every crisis presents an opportunity and the pandemic crisis presents us with an opportunity to address the major problems that exist within our naturalisation process, problems that landed at the doorsteps of so many citizens and wannabe citizens across the State. Deputy Carroll MacNeill eloquently talks about the families that are separated and put at risk. Is it feasible, with the major reforms and staffing changes announced by the Minister of State, to prioritise the many front-line workers who have dedicated themselves to our safety, security and public health over the last trying 15 months or so? Is there a possibility to prioritise them and like the French have done, include them in the first new citizenship ceremonies and in undertaking the process in due course?

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