Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
527. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether Stamp 0 residence accumulated prior to the commencement of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 will continue to be recognised as reckonable residence for naturalisation purposes; and whether transitional protections will apply to existing Stamp 0 residents. [68032/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra543. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Government will consider protecting, either fully or partially, Temporary Protection Residence accumulated before the commencement of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026. [68270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra544. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current statutory basis for treating residents under Temporary Protection as non-reckonable, given the proposed amendment to section 16A and the wording in the general scheme that it will move Temporary Protection time from being reckonable residence. [68268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 527, 543 and 544 together.
The Government recognises and values the significant contribution that migrants make to Irish society, communities and the economy.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to implement a firmer and more sustainable migration system which protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework. In that context, the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2026 proposes a number of reforms to the citizenship process.
Citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society and it is important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable. The proposed changes do not seek to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are intended to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and lasting connection to Ireland, an understanding of the State and its institutions, and an ongoing commitment to Irish society.
The proposed amendments relate to the conditions for acquiring citizenship and do not affect a person's entitlement to reside, work, study, establish a business or build a life in Ireland in accordance with the terms of their immigration permission.
The Government recognises that some individuals may be relatively close to meeting the current residence requirements and may be disappointed by the proposed changes.
Any legislative reform requires a commencement date and, inevitably, there will be cases where individuals fall on one side or the other of that date.
As provided for in the General Scheme, the revised citizenship provisions are intended to apply following enactment and commencement of the legislation. Accordingly, citizenship applications made following commencement will be assessed under the legislative framework then in force.
Existing policy is that time spent residing in Ireland on temporary permissions and other ad-hoc schemes, including time spent in the State on the basis of temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive is not reckonable for naturalisation purposes. The legislation will be clarified to reflect this position.
It is important to note that the proposed amendments relate to the conditions for acquiring citizenship and do not affect a person's entitlement to Temporary Protection.
The Government is aware of the concerns expressed by a range of stakeholders. Those views have been noted and will form part of the wider public and parliamentary consideration of the legislation as it progresses through the Oireachtas.
