'Our newest citizens are part of us, and we of them': 13 people in Cork among 5,400 granted citizenship

THIRTÉEN people in Cork were among thousands granted Irish citizenship in ceremonies today and on Thursday at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD), in Dublin.

Around 5,400 applicants from 143 countries and living in 30 counties on the island of Ireland were conferred.

The events followed ceremonies in Killarney last week, attended by 4,800 applicants.

“It is a great pleasure to, once more, attend a citizenship ceremony, my first opportunity to do so as Taoiseach,” Simon Harris said.

“These ceremonies are magnificent celebrations of all that it is to be Irish.

“The richness of our nation isn’t measured in wealth. It is measured in people.

“Our newest citizens are part of us, and we of them.

“I am very grateful to those who have made Ireland their home.

“They contribute to the rich fabric of our nation and make exceptional contributions in a range of areas: From health and home care, to culture and construction, to transport and tourism.

“I am very grateful to each of our new citizens for choosing Ireland as the home of their hearts and the home of our future.”

Wishing the new Irish citizens well, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said citizenship “is about belonging”.

“It connects you to this country, to your neighbours, and the generations that came before.

“Citizenship in Ireland comes with both rights and responsibilities.

“The rights protect your freedom and ensure that you have a voice in the direction our country takes.

“Citizenship also brings responsibilities.

“I encourage you to participate in your communities and share your skills, traditions and cultures, which can only enrich ours.

“My heartfelt congratulations go out to all our newest citizens conferred at this week’s citizenship ceremonies.

“Ireland is all the better for having you here and you are valued members of our society,” she added.

The Department of Justice said that the citizenship division has introduced “significant changes” to speed up the applications process, including the introduction of an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting.

These changes, the department said, “have significantly reduced the processing times, which had lengthened due to the limits placed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic”.

In recent years, the median processing time for applications had peaked at 19 months. However, the majority of new applicants can now expect to receive a decision in 12 months, where documentation is in order.

“It is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of the department.

“Over the last two years, the citizenship division has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023,” the department continued.

To date in 2024, 16,000 decisions have been made.

Ceremonies were introduced in 2011 to mark the occasion of the granting of citizenship.

Last year, the citizenship division more than doubled the number of ceremonies, with 15 held over the course of the year.

The department said this marked a “significant increase” on the six citizenship ceremonies held in 2022.

“It is envisioned that this number will be significantly surpassed this year, with 15 ceremonies already taking place by the end of June,” it added.

The new Irish citizens have agreed to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

The presiding officers at the ceremonies today and on Thursday were retired judges Justice Deirdre Murphy and Justice Bryan McMahon, who administered the declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State.