Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
552. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the research, analysis or comparative assessment was undertaken by his Department in determining that the qualifying period of reckonable residence for naturalisation should be increased from five years to eight years; and if an assessment was carried out of the potential impact of this change on persons already lawfully resident in the State. [68191/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue implementing a firmer and more sustainable migration system that protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework.
My Department closely monitors developments in this area and, through its policy function, regularly assesses the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing frameworks to ensure they remain proportionate, fit for purpose and aligned with Government policy objectives.
In that context, proposals to strengthen and modernise the naturalisation and citizenship framework have been considered by Government and are now being progressed.
The Government has considered whether five years remains the most appropriate period for establishing the durable connection to the State that citizenship is intended to recognise.
The current residence requirement has remained substantially unchanged since the framework was established in the mid-20th century, despite profound changes in migration patterns, labour mobility and international travel. It is therefore reasonable to reassess whether a threshold designed in 1956 remains appropriate in 2026.
Citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society. It is therefore important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable.
The proposed changes are not intended to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are designed to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and enduring connection to Ireland, an understanding of the State and its institutions, and an ongoing commitment to Irish society.
The residence period requirements in other EU Member States were considered in determining the revision to residency period requirements contained in the Bill. In this regard it is important to note that the proposed amendments relate solely to the conditions for acquiring citizenship. They 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.
