Helen McEntee welcomes 1,200 new Irish citizens at 'joyous celebration'

Mon, 26 Feb, 2024 - 19:26

Alison O'Reilly

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has congratulated 1,200 new Irish citizens following two naturalisation ceremonies in Dublin on Monday.

The new citizens included people from 105 countries across the world who are currently living in 31 counties of Ireland.

Speaking at the ceremony at the National Concert Hall, Ms McEntee said the new citizens were making a “significant contribution” to society across several sectors.

“Citizenship ceremonies are always a joyous celebration of what it means to be Irish”, she said. “I would like to warmly congratulate and welcome our newest citizens on this milestone in their lives.

Tigran Chakion, originally from Russia, hugs his partner Julia Kalinina after he got his new Irish citizenship in Dublin on Monday. Picture: Maxwell’s

“It is particularly apt that they will begin their journey as Irish citizens at the National Concert Hall as it is a building that is steeped in Irish history.

“It is the original site of University College Dublin and even hosted the Dáil debates on the Anglo-Irish Treaty in early 1922.

“I want to wish nothing but the best to all those who become a citizen of this nation and join the many others who have come here and are making such a significant contribution to our culture, economy and society.”

Sister Christiana Ajagu, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, right, with Sister Euphemia Okbaneje at the Irish citizenship ceremonies in Dublin on Monday. Picture: Maxwell’s

Retired judge Paddy McMahon was the presiding officer at the events, and he administered the declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State.

The new citizens will undertake to observe the laws of the country and to respect its democratic values.

Sara Guzman, originally from Venezuela, has lived in Ireland for 13 years and received her citizenship at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Monday. Picture: Maxwell’s

The service also heard that more than 10% of those receiving citizenship are working in the healthcare sector across Ireland.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “Ireland has always had a strong culture of welcoming new people and I am delighted to be able to attend this morning’s ceremony so that I personally can welcome our newest citizens.

Originally from Poland, Dominika Zajmalowska, right, and her mum Yvonne were at the citizenship ceremonies at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Picture: Maxwell’s

“Today marks the end of one journey and the beginning of an exciting new one for them. By sharing their own unique cultures and traditions with us, our newest citizens become part of our communities and we are all the better for it.

"I also want to acknowledge the value and necessity of immigration to support Ireland’s strong economy and how it benefits our overall society.”

Anjaly Alias, originally from India, who received Irish citizenship on Monday, with her husband Arun Michael. Picture: Maxwell’s

People born outside Ireland who fulfill the residency requirements for time spent legally living in Ireland can apply for citizenship. Applicants must be living here for five years in order to qualify.

If an applicant is married to an Irish citizen or are a declared refugee, they can apply after three years.