Language test may be needed for citizenship

A language test for new applicants for Irish citizenship is under consideration, a senior Department of Justice official said in Killarney, Co Kerry, where more than 3,500 people from more than 160 countries officially became Irish citizens.

Currently Ireland does not require new citizens to be proficient in either English or Irish and it is not decided if new requirements will stipulate either language.

The test which is at the early stages of discussion, would be introduced in the interests of better integration said assistant principal in the department Raymond Murray, as some people who have been residents for five years still were unable to speak English,