Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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894. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has a policy of refusing applications for certificates of naturalisation where the applicant was previously illegally present in the State; the length of time which that policy has been in place [55535/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Act and there is no such policy as referred to by the Deputy.

I can confirm that each application for naturalisation is assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the 1956 Act as amended. A period of time spent in the state without permission would in itself not be a barrier to a grant of Irish citizenship.

Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the state prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is 3 years. In both cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to 6 weeks allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business family or holiday purposes.

Detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/. 

The administrative processes around granting citizenship through naturalisation are kept under review by officials of my Department to ensure that they remain up-to-date and fit for purpose.