Irish citizenship by naturalisation is a privilege, not a right, and it is appropriate that the conditions of citizenship are reviewed from time to time.
The 2025 Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to implement a firmer migration system that, among other things, protects the integrity of our immigration framework. That is exactly what is happening now.
The amendments to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 which we at Cabinet have now approved, makes the following main changes.
Increased qualifying periods of reckonable residence from 5 to 8 years in order to establish a proportionate timeline that encourages steady economic and social integration.
Applicants must demonstrate a proficiency of the English language or the Irish language to ensure that applicants can integrate and communicate effectively in daily life in Ireland.
Applicants must also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of Irish civics, society and politics. This may include knowledge of common Irish phrases or cultural references.
A requirement to be self-sufficient, by including for example, a requirement not to be in receipt of particular social protection payments for a defined period leading up to the date of application.
Applicants will have to be of good character and must not have contravened immigration laws.
These changes bring Ireland’s naturalisation practice more in line with similar processes across the EU. They will also strengthen the assessment of applicants prior to naturalisation, so to better reflect the enduring protection and connection the valuable status of citizenship confers.
Several countries impose residence periods of 7 to 10 years, including Austria, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.
Economic self-sufficiency requirements are common in other EU Member States and many countries require applicants to demonstrate stable income; means of subsistence; tax compliance and an absence of reliance on social assistance. Examples include Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Poland.
Additionally, most European countries require some form of language proficiency for naturalisation. The majority of EU Member States require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the national language as part of the citizenship process.
Civic integration testing is also common across Europe. Many European countries require applicants to pass a civic integration or citizenship test covering knowledge of the state, society, rights, institutions, history or culture.
None of the changes we are making should be in any way controversial and are required to ensure social cohesion.
This Government has made significant and decisive change when it comes to migration. We have a firmer and more robust migration system now, and numbers of those seeking asylum is reducing, and has reduced over the last 12 months, with a resultant significant reduction in the cost to the State for accommodation. We have also introduced a more efficient and effective system to return those who do not have a right to be here.
Ireland will always be a welcoming place for those who wish to come and live and work here legally. However, we, as a nation, have a right and a duty to ensure that our migration system is robust and fit for purpose
These proposals seek to ensure that Irish citizenship continues to be a valued and meaningful status, reflecting not only residence in Ireland, but a genuine commitment to our society, our democratic institutions and our shared future.
The scheduling, debate, and enactment of legislation are matters for the Houses of the Oireachtas, however, this legislation is a priority for Government.
Hildegarde Naughton is the Minister for Education and Youth and a TD representing the Galway-West Constituency.
