Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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187. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of adult applications for naturalisation based on Irish association granted in 2018. [11687/19]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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188. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which a person can apply for naturalisation based on Irish descent or Irish association without residing here. [11688/19]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a person is applying for naturalisation based on Irish association, if there are circumstances in which time spent here on a stamp 2 would be considered for the three year residency requirement. [11689/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 to 189, inclusive, together.

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.

While statistics are not compiled in such a manner as to identify applicants for a certificate of naturalisation by Irish association as required by the Deputy, I am informed by my officials that there are currently 292 Irish association cases under active consideration by INIS.

It is open to an applicant generally to apply under Section 16(a) of the 1956 Act where the applicant is of Irish descent or has Irish association. In such cases the Minister may in his absolute discretion waive 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.

A Stamp 2, which is granted for study purposes, is not reckonable for the purposes of naturalisation.