Government Citizenship Proposals 2026

Draft

To be an Irish citizen is a privilege and an Irish passport is highly regarded worldwide.

I think it is reasonable for anyone applying for Irish citizenship, whether as an individual or a spouse, to be proficient in at least one of our national languages, to be aware of our history and shared cultural values, to respect our laws and have no criminal convictions and, allowing for those shown to have fled from persecution, to be self-sufficient from an income perspective.

However, I also believe that anyone who has made a contribution to our country and who meets these criteria should be afforded a pathway to citizenship. I have read about the Government proposals and will look closely at whatever legislation is proposed. I don’t necessarily believe that extending the period before citizenship is granted is ideal. I would prefer a more stringent process without necessarily extending the timeframe. These are issues I will raise during any debate.

During my time as an elected representative I have met many people born overseas who have made a tremendous contribution to our country. I have seen the pride and joy of many in becoming Irish citizens. These type of people are welcome. In terms of the jobs we need to fill and the regional policy in terms of where specific industries are located, I think we need to be more strategic to reduce pressure in certain areas as there is an overconcentration of IT and pharma companies in the Dublin region.

I also think that it is fair comment for people who grew up in an area and cannot get a house to question whether they should be accommodated first, while also acknowledging that the basic problem is one of supply. We also need a faster, tighter asylum policy, given that that 70% of those who apply for asylum are turned down on appeal, as they are not genuinely fleeing persecution or war and are economic migrants who did not apply for work through the proper channels. None of these reasons are any excuse for abuse or hatred, however, and I am on the record for standing up against racism and have been criticised by far right groups for doing so.

I think there is a balanced approach that can be taken, where those who qualify for Irish citizenship are those who can and have made a contribution, while at the same time acknowledging the constraints in the system.

Poepe who have already applied….