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The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, has announced that 10,158 people – including 3,136 children – were granted Irish citizenship in 2018. The figures bring the number of new Irish citizens to have received their certificate of naturalisation since the introduction of Citizenship Ceremonies in 2011 to over 120,000.

Since their introduction in June 2011, Citizenship Ceremonies have been a highlight of the naturalisation process for successful applicants. These ceremonies allow candidates for citizenship to make their declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State and receive their certificate of naturalisation in a meaningful and dignified manner. During 2018, seven Citizenship Ceremonies were held. This brings the total number of ceremonies held since 2011 to 138.

Minister Flanagan said:

The citizenship ceremony is a powerfully symbolic event, which befits the importance and solemnity of the occasion. Each of our new citizens has an important contribution to make to all areas of our society. They have chosen to take this step in recognition of the new lives that they have built here in Ireland. Receiving their Irish citizenship does not lessen the diversity of their backgrounds or the importance of their heritage. We look forward to all that they can add to the richness of our culture as part of their continued integration into our communities, right across the country.

Details of future Citizenship Ceremonies and the process for applying for citizenship are placed on www.inis.gov.ie