Dáil debates

Thursday, 22 October 2020

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Citizenship Applications

9:00 am

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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2. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to amend the rules in relation to applying for Irish citizenship, primarily the cost for those persons that have been living and contributing to society here for more than ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32014/20]

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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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.

9:10 am

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. The fees charged in respect of applications for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011. The fee is charged in two parts. The current application fee is €175, payable when an application for naturalisation is lodged, in addition to which is a certification fee, payable when a certificate of naturalisation issues. The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons, there is no certification fee.

There is no provision for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees or for different fees to be applied. I am informed that the introduction of the application fee had an immediate positive effect on the quality and completeness of applications, which is ultimately to the benefit of applicants. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by the Department. There are, however, currently no plans to amend the fees.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation which, given the benefits involved, is quite a detailed process. The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies were introduced almost ten years ago. These have been universally well-received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and a celebratory occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the grant of Irish citizenship. Covid-19 has, unfortunately, prevented the holding of our large-scale citizenship ceremonies, which is impacting the processing of applications. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, was, therefore, pleased to recently approve a solution to replace the ceremonies with a sworn affidavit on an interim basis. This will enable approximately 3,000 applicants to be granted citizenship in the very near future.

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister of State for his answer. I accept and recognise the costs involved in this regard. The initial fee of €175 is not onerous and is not too much to expect people to pay but most of us will accept that the €950 fee is quite a high charge to place on people, particularly people who have lived and worked in Ireland, in some cases for decades. Many of these people are married to Irish citizens and have been living here for a long time. When they seek citizenship, they expect the fee to be reasonable and affordable. The fee at its current level is a bit higher than we would like. I believe most people will recognise that.

I understood the process can be a little bit complex but, in many cases, it is not and the decision is clear, simple and easy. This should be reviewed. I ask the Minister of State to review these fees, particularly for those who have lived and worked in Ireland for a good number of years and who have contributed greatly to the Exchequer.

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. All fees are kept under ongoing review. Citizenship fees have not increased in the past nine years, notwithstanding the significant investment that has taken place in facilities such as a new website and e-payment facility. More enhancements to the application process are also in development, including plans to introduce online application forms and e-vetting. These measures are aimed at speeding up and streamlining the process. Over the past decade, many EU member states have increased their citizenship fees while we have maintained ours at the rate set in 2011. I again assure the Deputy that these fees will be kept under constant review as the processes are updated.

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I understand that they are being kept under constant review but I am asking for a particular emphasis to be put on people who have lived and worked here for a considerable time and for this to be reflected in the fee they must pay. That is basically what I am asking for. It is not too much to expect that people who have worked and paid taxes here for ten or 15 years or more would have this recognised in the fee charged in respect of citizenship. Most of them consider themselves Irish. Many of them have been here since they were children, have gone to school here and have spent their lives here, yet they find the same fee is applicable to them as is applicable to someone who arrived in the country quite recently. It is a little onerous. These people's contribution should be reflected in the fee structure. I again ask the Minister of State to look at the issue in that context.

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I again thank the Deputy. As I have said, this is a very important issue. The fees will remain under review on an ongoing basis and as the process is streamlined and updated further. The Deputy's concerns will be considered.