Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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219. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure now to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47209/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the person referred to by the Deputy has previously made applications for naturalisation, however, those applications were refused on the grounds that the applicant did not have the required reckonable residence as set out in the 1956 Act as amended.

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.

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.

It is open to anyone to make an application for citizenship once they meet the criteria as set out in the 1956 Act, as amended. Once an application is received, a determination on whether the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation will be made.

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/

Last week, my Department moved from paper based applications to online forms for all new adult applications going forward. Online applications will make the process easier for customers, allowing them to easily fill in the relevant forms, upload the required documents, make payments and submit. The forms will provide a seamless application process and will help guide applicants through what is required for an application.