Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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260. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the entitlements bestowed on the bearer of an honorary citizenship; the rights bestowed on their descendants; if it differs from a general citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43601/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 provides that the President, on the advice of the Government, may grant Irish Citizenship as a token of honour to a person or to the child or grandchild of a person who has done honour or rendered distinguished service to the nation. It has, due to its exceptional nature, been bestowed on a very limited number of people.

A Government decision to advise the President to grant honorary citizenship would require a member of the Government to submit a memorandum setting out a case as to why the exceptional honour should be granted. Due to the exceptional nature of the award, proposals or applications other than on foot of such submissions are not accepted.

Citizenship granted as a token of honour is granted under the statutory provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 . Section 29 of that Act states that all Irish citizens are entitled to the same statutory rights and privileges.