Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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475. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons living in Northern Ireland who have been successful in obtaining Irish naturalisation in each of the past five years in tabular form. [36012/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that statistics are not compiled in such a manner as to identify applicants for a certificate of naturalisation by place of residence.  However, officials are currently working on compiling the information requested and I will be in touch with the Deputy as soon as this task has been completed.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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476. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the additional supplementary evidence or material required from those living in Northern Ireland that wish to apply for naturalisation. [36013/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. 

There is specific provision made in the Act in relation to persons resident in the Island of Ireland. Section 15A provides that, where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen the requirements are, inter alia, that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least 3 years and are living together and, immediately before the date of application, have a period of one year's continuous residence in the island of Ireland and, during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to 2 years (i.e. 3 years in total).

It is also open to an applicant generally to apply under Section16(a) of the 1956 Act where the applicant is of Irish descent or associations. In such cases the Minister may in his absolute discretion waive (any) of the conditions for naturalisation set out under Section 15 of the Act, including residency. The onus is on the applicant to provide evidence of Irish descent or Irish association to the Minister for consideration.

Various documentation is required for applications for citizenship including evidence of age, proof of identity (passport, etc.) as well as proof of residency, such as payslips, bank statements, etc. In relation to proof of lawful residency, for applicants residing in Northern Ireland, such information is required to be obtained from the UK immigration authorities. Similarly, a PSNI report is required for applicants applying from Northern Ireland.

In addition Section 17(b)(ii) of the 1956 Act states that an application for a certificate of naturalisation shall be accompanied by such evidence (including statutory declarations) to vouch the application as the Minister may require.

Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on the INIS website at ww.inis.gov.ie.