Over 5,000 people to receive their Irish Citizenship

Over today and tomorrow approximately 5,200 people will be granted Irish citizenship at the Gleneagle Arena (INEC).

Applicants from over 132 countries and across all 32 counties on the island will make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and become Irish citizens.

There will be six ceremonies held over the two days in Killarney, with Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy, in attendance. He will also be joined by Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, and with special responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer.

The Presiding Officer at the ceremonies over the next two days is Judge Paddy McMahon, who will confer the attendees with Irish Citizenship. He will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. The new Irish citizens will undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.