Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will review the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations with regard to fees for persons seeking a certificate of naturalisation in cases in which the persons concerned can provide evidence that they have been living in Ireland for decades, paid their taxes and contributed to their respective communities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46898/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise and acknowledge the crucial role the person referred to by the Deputy, and all frontline workers, have and are continuing to play in responding to the threat of COVID-19. They work in a challenging environment and deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis. Their exceptional commitment has been particularly clear throughout the pandemic, during which they have been playing a key role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

I am also deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to those who apply for it and my Department has continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and at all levels of public health restrictions. 

All naturalisation applications, whether they are made by EU citizens or non-EU citizens, are processed entirely in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. There are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the category of employment or nationality of the applicant. All applicants are required to meet minimum periods of reckonable residence and standard checks are carried out as part of the overall process to maintain its integrity.

The fees in relation to applications for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 and have not increased in the past ten years notwithstanding that considerable investments has taken place including a new website and an e-payments facility.

The fees are in two parts - the current application fee is €175, payable when an application for naturalisation is lodged; and a certification fee which 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. 

There is no provision for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees, or for different fees to be applied. All of fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are currently no plans to amend the fees.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended and pay the appropriate fees.