Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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111. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a list of the application fees for citizenship; if there is a reduction for EU citizens who wish to take up Irish citizenship; if there are any circumstances where a reduced cost of the fees can apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25098/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is set at €950. The Regulations provide for a reduced fee of €200 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 the certification fee is nil.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. There is no reduction for EU citizens.

The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.

All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 are kept under ongoing review by my Department; however, currently there are no plans to reduce or abolish these fees.