Government considering 'more generous scheme' for people close to qualifying for citizenship

The Government is examining ways to ease the impact of proposed citizenship reforms on people who were expecting to qualify under the current five-year residency rule

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan: 'It's very useful to have people who are so committed.' File picture: Niall Carson/PA

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan has confirmed that the Government is considering a "more generous scheme" for people who are close to qualifying for citizenship but will be impacted by planned rule changes.

He rejected suggestions that those approaching the current five-year residency threshold would be "missing out on citizenship" if they are required to wait an additional three years under the proposed reforms.

Cabinet approved proposals from Mr O’Callaghan last month to overhaul the citizenship application process, which will see civics and language tests introduced, as well as a minimum income threshold set to ensure people do not become a “burden” on the State.

A proposal to increase the period of reckonable residency from five years to eight years has come in for criticism.

A number of aspiring citizens who spoke to the Irish Examiner expressed concerns that they would miss out on the opportunity to apply for citizenship by weeks or months if the new requirement is brought in before the end of the year.

A Dáil debate last week saw cross-party pleas not to change the residency requirements or, as a “bare minimum”, to introduce a transitional period so that those nearing the required residency would not be negatively affected.

Asked if any transitional protection would be introduced, the justice minister said it is under consideration.

Mr O’Callaghan said the proposals are still to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

“It is the case that some issues were raised in respect of people who are in Ireland already, and whether or not some sort of a different scheme, or I suppose a more generous scheme for persons who are here already, could be implemented in the legislation,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“That's something that we're considering, and that we will take into account as it goes through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

“But it is important to point out that when you look at other European countries, the reckonable residency there can be nine or 10 years. If you look at Italy or Lithuania or indeed Spain, the numbers are up around that figure. We're bringing ourselves into line with other Europeans.”

When it was put to him that many aspiring citizens had built their lives around the expectation that five years of reckonable residency would make them eligible for citizenship, and that the proposed changes could significantly delay their applications, Mr O'Callaghan said he “does not accept that they will miss out at all”.

He added: “If they're committed to Ireland and say they've been here for five years or say four years and 12 months just before the changes, or four years and 11 months just before the changes come in, if they're committed to Ireland, they'll be here for eight years.

“It's very useful to have people who are so committed.”

Mr O’Callaghan made the comments as he launched an awareness campaign to target the misuse of illegal fireworks ahead of Halloween.

The justice minister warned that fireworks can have a “devastating impact” on people during Halloween and can cause “very serious injuries”, including the loss of an eye or serious burns.

He also noted that fireworks can be distressing for pets and elderly people.

• Louise Burne, Political Correspondent