Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
301. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the adequacy of the level of communication with persons due to be awarded Irish Citizenship; if the notification of the ceremony will be sent out with greater notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra302. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the timeline for the next Irish Citizenship ceremonies due to be held in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8816/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra303. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the process whereby the locations for Irish Citizenship ceremonies are selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the merits of providing for Irish Citizenship ceremonies to be held in individual local authorities, in order that attendees can be in their own community for the ceremony; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 to 304, inclusive, together.
Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 in order to mark the occasion of the granting of citizenship in a dignified and solemn manner and have been very well received.
My Department held 25 citizenship ceremonies last year and ceremonies will continue to be held on a regular basis during 2026. I can advise the Deputy that planning is at an advanced stage for upcoming citizenship ceremonies in the coming months.
The significant administrative burden associated with holding ceremonies limits the number of ceremonies that my Department can host in a year. In order to facilitate as many applicants as possible at the events the Department must consider the size and capacity of the venue when planning the ceremonies.
The venues selected represent the best opportunity to facilitate the volume of applicants completing the process.
My Department communicates directly and regularly with all applicants to keep them informed on processing times and any updates on citizenship matters.
My Department endeavours to send out invitations to ceremonies a month in advance. This is not always possible as payment is awaited from applicants. Where invitations are issued at short notice, applicants have the option of deferring to a future ceremony.
Attendance at a Citizenship Ceremony remains the primary avenue for the granting of Irish citizenship. An oath of fidelity to the nation and a declaration are taken before a Presiding Officer appointed by the Minister for Justice.
There are no plans at this time to hold ceremonies in individual local authority areas.
Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/
