Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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761. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria applied for citizenship in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39625/25]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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762. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the rules pertaining to Irish citizenship application were last reviewed and or updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39626/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 762 together.

All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.

Sections 15 and 15A of the Act sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. 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 all cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to 70 days allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business family or holiday purposes.

Sections 15 and 15A were last updated in 2023, with provisions concerning the manner in which applicants may make the required declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.

Section 16 of the Act gives discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen)

I can inform the Deputy that on 2 April 2025, my Department published updated guidelines for applications on the basis of Irish Associations under Section 16(1)(a) of the1956 Act. The guidelines provide clarity to both applicants and decision-makers. They set out the factors that may be considered when deciding whether to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations.

Any application made under Section 16 should be supported by substantive documentation. This documentation should show that the Section 16 application is exceptional and one where the normal residency pathways to citizenship are not appropriate. However, there is no automatic right or entitlement to have any of the statutory conditions waived even where the applicant comes within the certain circumstances defined.

The guidelines have been developed in the interests of fair and transparent procedures and comprehensive decision making. Details of the guidelines are available on my Department’s website at the following link: .

Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation and other resources is available on my Department’s Immigration website here: .