Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a proposal to grant to all new members of An Garda Síochána on commission the automatic entitlement to be made an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22246/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the Deputy sponsored a Bill on this issue in July, 2006.

The granting of Irish citizenship is, I believe, a decision not to be taken lightly and should only apply to a person who has demonstrated over an extended period of time close links with Ireland, for example by way of legal residence in the State and a degree of real participation in Irish society. While, clearly, joining An Garda Síochána is a very positive act in this respect I would be concerned that a proposal of this nature could result in demands from other persons working in a variety of State services for a similar exemption from the legal criteria for citizenship.

It is my intention to review, over the coming months, the existing criteria for obtaining citizenship through naturalisation and the issue raised by the Deputy can be considered as part of that process.