Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

151. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the circumstances under which a foreign-born national residing in Northern Ireland may apply for Irish citizenship; the way in which this differs to the circumstances under which a foreign-born national residing here may apply for citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20739/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The entitlement to Irish citizenship, as well as the conditions pertaining to a grant of Irish citizenship through naturalisation, are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.

In general a person acquires Irish citizenship through one of the following ways:

(i) entitlement to Irish citizenship for certain persons born in the island of Ireland;

(ii) entitlement by descent if one of his or her parents was an Irish citizen at the time of the person's birth;

(iii) by naturalisation at the absolute discretion of the Minister.

Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website at www.inis.gov.ie.