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Large increase in number granted citizenship

The Department of Justice says that a record number of people are set to be granted Irish citizenship this year.

It says that more than 30,000 decisions on citizenship have been made so far this year – a significant increase on 20,000 in 2023 and almost double the figure for 2022.

Over the first two days of this week, more than 6,000 new Irish citizens are being granted citizenship in seven ceremonies being held at the INEC Killarney.

The ceremonies involve applicants from 140 countries around the world, living in 32 counties on the island of Ireland.

Speeding up process

The department says that changes in its citizenship division to speed up the process have been introduced, adding that most residency-based applications will, in future, receive a decision within 12 months.

The presiding officers at the ceremonies over the two days are retired Justice Paddy McMahon and retired President of the High Court Mary Irvine who will confer the attendees with Irish citizenship.

Both will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State.

The new Irish citizens will undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

Congratulating the new citizens ahead of the ceremonies, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that they played “an essential role” in fuelling growth in the economy.

“They also contribute immensely to industries where we have labour shortages, like construction, agriculture, and healthcare. They also make our workforce more diverse and inclusive,” she added.