'You will always have a home here' - Ministers welcome thousands of new Irish citizens

Thousands of people from over 130 countries will become new Irish citizens at ceremonies taking place today (December 5) and tomorrow. 

In four separate ceremonies at the INEC in Killarney, approximately 3,500 applicants will receive their certificates of naturalisation and take an oath of fidelity to the Irish State. 

Speaking at the ceremony today, Minister of State James Browne and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte welcomed Ireland’s newest citizens and emphasised the importance of this day as a milestone in their lives. 

Minister of State Browne said, "The conferring of citizenship on you today opens new doors – to enjoy the fundamental rights as set out in the Irish Constitution, to vote in referenda that may change the Constitution, to get and to travel with an Irish passport, to serve on a jury, to run for election to Government. These are life changing rights and ones which I hope you enjoy." 

The top ten nationalities represented at the citizenship ceremonies today and tomorrow include United Kingdom (375), India (326), Pakistan (282), Poland (170), Syrian Arab Republic (159), Brazil (158), Nigeria (154), Romania (150), United States (102), and Philippines (95). 

The minister continued, "In granting you your Irish citizenship, Ireland has made a wider symbolic commitment to you that resonates with our country’s history and with our people at home and abroad. A commitment that you will always have a home here with us, in the Ireland that strives to be safe, fair and inclusive for all." 

The Presiding Officers at the ceremonies are retired High Court Judge, Bryan McMahon and retired Judge Paddy McMahon, who administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. 

The new citizens also undertook to faithfully observe the law of the State and respect its democratic values. 

Addressing the new citizens, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, said, "Ireland is a place of great diversity and openness. We do not ask of you to relinquish or replace your own sense of identity associated with your homeland when you become an Irish citizen.

"We want you to bring your culture, history and traditions with you. By sharing them with us, Ireland is richer for it.” 

Approximately 155,000 people including minors from 180 countries have received Irish citizenship since 2011.