Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

Citizenship Applications

Photo of Michael CollinsMichael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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990. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to detail the citizenship entitlements of a person (details supplied) and the alternatives to citizenship if that is not available. [1128/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen 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 for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

There are no provisions for the spouse or partner of an Irish citizen to acquire Irish citizenship solely by virtue of a marriage or civil partnership with an Irish citizen. The legal provision that provided for post nuptial citizenship was repealed with effect from 30 November 2005.

Section 15A of the 1956 Act sets out the conditions that apply where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen. The requirements are

* that the couple have been married to, or civil partners of each other, for a period of at least three years and are living together;

* and that the applicant has 3 years’ residence on the island of Ireland prior to making an application, with the final 12 months being continuous residence.

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

Any person wishing to travel to Ireland can do so through a number of legal pathways. Details of the various pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website of my Department at the following link:

The person concerned may consider a multi entry visa, which allows the holder to travel to Ireland on a number of occasions during the dates shown on the visa. The standard single entry visa option also remains available. As with all visa applications, the granting of a multi-entry visa is at the discretion of the relevant Visa Officer.

The availability of 5-year multi entry short stay visa to eligible applicants from all visa required countries is a very positive measure. It will enable people who visit Ireland regularly, for business or family reasons in particular, to make one application, which when granted, will then cover travel over a five year period.

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