IT’S SOMETHING MANY of us take for granted, but for 2,500 people of different nationalities today saw them all officially declared Irish citizens.
Three separate citizenship ceremonies were held in Dublin’s Convention Centre earlier today with 112 different nationalities represented by the various candidates.
The nationalities entering the fold include Poland, India, Romania, Nigeria, Brazil, and Thailand among many, many others.
The Garda band played a short concert, and three separate government ministers (Leo Varadkar, Frances Fitzgerald, and James Reilly) were on hand to lend some political gravitas to proceedings.
Those granted citizenship can now enjoy certain rights and privileges that are guaranteed under the Irish Constitution.
For example, if you are a citizen living in Ireland, you are entitled to equality before the law, freedom to travel, freedom of expression and religious liberty.
Foreign nationals can apply to become Irish citizens through naturalisation.
The residence requirements are more favourable for the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen but there is no longer an absolute entitlement to Irish citizenship through marriage.
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