- Proposed changes to Irish citizenship regulations will increase the required residency period from five years to eight years.
- Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in either English or Irish and pass an Irish civics test.
- Time spent living in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection scheme will no longer count towards residency requirements for naturalisation.
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated the reforms will align Ireland with other European Union member states and ensure applicants have the capacity to contribute to society.
- Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan defended the proposals, explaining that the eight-year period is reasonable and intended to restrain the growth in citizenship numbers.
IN FULL
Ireland to announce major citizenship rule changes in migration clampdown
