Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

579. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are circumstances in which the fees for an application for naturalisation can be waived. [46347/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The fees in relation to applications for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011.

The current application fee is €175, payable when an application for naturalisation is lodged. A certification fee is payable only when the application is successful and a certificate of naturalisation issues.

The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies 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, there is no certification fee.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation which, given the benefits involved, is quite a detailed process.

All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by the Department. However, there are currently no plans to amend the fees.