Irish citizenship “privilege, not right” says government as stricter immigration laws passed

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy, today secured government approval for the drafting of legislation that will ensure Ireland’s naturalisation legislation is “strengthened and aligned” with that of other European countries.

Minister O’Callaghan and Brophy said that “the importance of having a robust, rules-based system for migration and asylum, to ensure social cohesion and mitigate any negative economic impacts, has also been underlined by the government in several public statements and measures to date.”

Announcing Cabinet approval, Minister O’Callaghan said “at the outset, I want to be clear in saying that Ireland values the contribution migrants make to our economy, communities and public services. The proposed reforms are balanced, proportionate and necessary.”

“The measures concern the requirements for naturalisation and should not be interpreted as a judgment on the contribution of migrants. They seek to ensure that citizenship reflects a demonstrated, durable connection to Ireland, knowledge of the State and its institutions, and a sustained commitment to participation in Irish society.

The Dublin Bay South TD said “I have a responsibility to manage migration in the interests of the economic and social wellbeing of the country and to promote independence and self-sufficiency to support positive integration.”

“Ireland will continue to welcome those who choose to build their lives here and contribute to Irish society. The proposals do not seek to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society,” he claimed, following criticism from the oppossition that the legislation brings Ireland in line with right-wing European governments.

Under previous rules, it used to take 5 years for someone to attain Irish citizenship; under the new rules, it will now take 8, putting Ireland in line with Germany.

“The draft legislation will simultaneously strengthen the integrity of the naturalisation system and align Ireland more closely with processes in several other EU Member States. In that regard, any comparisons should consider the entire framework, including residence duration, language and civic knowledge requirements,” Minister O’Callaghan said.

Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy said “Irish citizenship is among the most valuable legal statuses the state can confer. It is a privilege, not a right. It creates an enduring bond between an individual and the state.”

The Dublin South-West TD said “I believe that citizenship should reflect full participation in our society and that basic proficiency in one of our national languages enables citizens to engage effectively in civic life, better understand important public information and exercise democratic rights effectively.”

“Self- sufficiency along with a language requirement shows a tangible demonstration of an individual’s commitment to becoming part of our communities and understanding our shared civic norms. This is a reasonable expectation given the significance and permanence of citizenship.”

The Fine Gael TD paints an awkward juxtaposition for the party – in the 2010s, the party hired Joe McHugh to serve as Minister for the Gaeltacht despite the Donegal TD not being able to speak the language, and the same party now expects would-be citizens to pass a language test.