# #keepitfive — Say No to the Citizenship Overhaul Plain-text mirror of https://keepitfive.ie/ — free to quote, with attribution. Last updated 22 October 2026. Markers like [12] point at the numbered list under Sources, at the end of this file. Every figure here is sourced. --- ## Say no to the citizenship overhaul. Keep it five, keep it fair. > “The five-year rule must stay for anyone who is currently in this country.” — [Seamus Healy, Independent TD · Dáil, 30 September](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/seamus-healy-f4aca9) > “In my opinion, we do not need to increase it to eight years.” — [Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD · Dáil, 30 September](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/barry-ward-80f296) > “Moving it to eight years is essentially moving it to ten.” — [Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD · Dáil, 30 September](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/sinead-gibney-12c990) > “There is no evidence for this because if the evidence existed, then the Minister would publish it. He has not done so and he will not do so.” — [Conor Sheehan, Labour TD · Dáil, 30 September](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/conor-sheehan-df859b) ## Follow #keepitfive The protests, the votes and the next thing to do, as they happen. Follow, and share what we post. - [**WhatsApp** Join the group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DF8dRBolYaE7EqbxBQuLoG) - [**Instagram** @keep.it.five.ireland](https://www.instagram.com/keep.it.five.ireland/) - [**TikTok** @keep.it.five.ireland](https://www.tiktok.com/@keep.it.five.ireland) - [**YouTube** @keep.it.five.ireland](https://www.youtube.com/@keep.it.five.ireland) ## Next protest · Tuesday 3 November — At the gates of Leinster House. Tuesday 3 November, at 1. The seventh protest. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, the Irish Refugee Council, the Immigrant Council, Nasc, Doras, AkiDwA and the ICCL call an hour outside Leinster House, and we stand with them: against eight years for people already living, working and building their lives here on the five-year pathway. Bring a sign, and bring whoever will come with you. **1pm · Leinster House** Kildare Street, Dublin 2, at the gates, until 2. Stay on the footpath, and do what the Gardaí ask on the day. **Who calls it** The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and six others, who signed the joint statement of 7 September: [the organisations on our side](https://keepitfive.ie/supporters). **Pass it on** The page to share, with the next protest on top and the photos of every one so far: [keepitfive.ie/protest](https://keepitfive.ie/protest). **Tue** *3* Nov *1pm* ## Next protest · Leinster House — Tuesday 3 November at 1, at the gates An hour outside Leinster House on Kildare Street, 1 to 2, called by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and six other organisations, and we stand with them. Bring a sign, and bring whoever will come with you. On Sunday 18 October we walked from the Spire to these gates; at the gates on 30 September we talked with TDs and Senators on their way in, and that afternoon 35 TDs spoke in the Dáil’s statements on citizenship: [where each of them stands now](https://keepitfive.ie/tds), and [what they said, word for word](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes). The plan At the gates, 30 September ## The core objection — If you’re here now, this catches you. *Figure: Diagram of the cut-off: a person who has already filed an application before commencement is assessed under the five-year rule. A person at four years and ten months on commencement day is caught by the eight-year rule, adding three years.* > If you have been here for four years and ten months by the time the laws are changed and commenced, it will affect you. That’s the truth of the matter. — Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice [12] **Portugal tried exactly this last December and lost.** Its Constitutional Court threw the clause out: you cannot change the rules on people who planned their lives around them. The court called it legal certainty, foreseeability and legitimate expectation. We call it fairness. [23] [24] > “It feels a little bit like a page out of Trump’s playbook: *let’s give someone a common enemy, the immigrant.* ” Nick moved to Limerick from Massachusetts in 2024 with his husband Brendan. They sold their home in the US on the understanding they could apply for citizenship after five years. He works in tech on a Critical Skills permit; Brendan’s permission is attached to it. The Government, he says, is moving “the finish line seemingly out of nowhere”. [41] Nick wrote [the letter to your TD](https://keepitfive.ie/act#letter) on this site, and is on Instagram as [@wayfaringandwhiskey](https://www.instagram.com/wayfaringandwhiskey/). ### Published 21 September 2026 · General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 — The General Scheme is out. It is a lot more than eight years. [69] Ten Heads and a Schedule, 22 pages, from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. This is the outline the Bill will be drafted from, and the document the Justice Committee scrutinises. What it does: - **Eight years, not five** Two years’ continuous residence plus six in the previous ten, instead of one plus four in eight.Head 5 - **Nothing for people already here** The only saving clause covers applications already lodged. No transitional provision for anyone resident and still counting.Head 9(2) - **Spouses of Irish citizens: five years, not three** Two continuous, three in the previous five.Head 6 - **A language test** Irish, English or Irish Sign Language, to a standard the Minister sets by regulation. Waivable for categories the Minister prescribes.Heads 5, 6 and 8 - **A civics test** “Knowledge and understanding of Irish civics”, again to a standard set later by regulation.Heads 5 and 6 - **An income floor and a welfare bar** A minimum income the Minister prescribes. No prescribed social welfare or housing support in the two years before applying, six months forgiven. No Revenue or welfare debt, no unpaid court fine.Heads 5 and 7 - **The conditions run until the decision** Residence, income and the welfare bar have to hold for the whole wait, not just on the day you apply.Head 5(j) - **Time that stops counting** Temporary Protection (the Ukraine scheme), EU treaty-rights applications later refused, and any “temporary or limited duration” permission the Minister names in future.Head 9 - **A new ground to strip citizenship** “Public policy, public order or national security”, added to the revocation section.Head 10 - **Commencement by ministerial order** Any part, on any day the Minister appoints, different days for different parts.Head 2 Open the General Scheme PDF, 22 pages The publication on gov.ie The PDF is the Department’s file, mirrored here unchanged so the link keeps working. Language, civics and income standards are all “as may be prescribed by the Minister”: none of them is in the Scheme. ## Status — It is not law yet. There is still time. Done **Cabinet approves priority drafting** 9 September 2026. **General Scheme published** 21 September 2026. Ten Heads, the outline the Bill will be written from: eight years, a language test, a civics test, an income floor, and no transitional clause. Read it at the top of the page. [69] Now **Pre-legislative scrutiny Usually 2 to 4 months** **We are here.** The only stage open to the public, and the last one before the Bill is written. The Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration reads the Scheme, can call officials and experts in, and publishes a report recommending changes. [67] [Write to the fourteen members ↓](https://keepitfive.ie/act#committee) Still to come · 5 steps Government wants all five done by Christmas. That is 15 weeks from Cabinet day. **Bill written Usually 6 to 12 months. “Priority” means faster** The actual text does not exist yet.Open question: what happens to people already here, building up their five years? Transitional protections could go in. Nobody knows. **Dáil Usually 1 to 3 months. Days if rushed** Second Stage is the debate on the general principles of the Bill, and the vote on whether it proceeds at all. [67] Amendments come after that, at Committee and Report Stage, with the Government’s majority in the room.Five years or eight is a general principle, not a detail. Once Second Stage passes, it is being argued in the margins. **Seanad Usually a few weeks** Senators do the same. **President signs 5 to 7 days, fixed by the Constitution** Only if both Houses pass it. **Law commences Same day, or later by ministerial order** Government target: Christmas 2026. This is the stage where a saving clause for people already here can still go in. Last December’s change to the international protection route had exactly that [1], so it is not a strange ask. Eight organisations have already said no, together. [14] ## What eight years actually means — Same arrival, five very different waits. Picture someone who lands in Dublin this January. Whether she gets her passport in 2031 or 2038 has nothing to do with how she lives here. It comes down to the stamp she was given on the way in. Deliberately Éire did the sums for five of them, and they’re worth a slow look. *Figure: Chart by Deliberately Éire: one arrival in January 2026, five permissions, and the year each can first apply for citizenship now and under the Scheme, with about a year of processing on top. Employment permit: now 2031, about six years; new 2034, about nine. Spouse of an Irish citizen, married three years on arrival: now 2029, about four; new 2031, about six. Master’s graduate on Stamp 2, a one-year master’s then Stamp 1G: now 2032, about seven; new 2035, about ten. PhD researcher on Stamp 2, a four-year doctorate then Stamp 1G: now 2035, about ten; new 2038, about thirteen. Temporary Protection under section 60(6) of the 2015 Act: now 2031, about six; under the Scheme the clock does not run on this permission at all.* - **The grey bar is today’s rule.** It runs from the day she arrives to the first day she can apply under the five-year rule we have now. - **The black bar is the Scheme.** The same person, the same stamp, but the first day she can apply if the eight-year rule goes through. - **The dashed box is the wait for an answer.** Applying isn’t the end of it. Most decisions take about a year, some a lot longer. - **No black bar at all means the clock never starts.** On Temporary Protection the Scheme stops those years counting, so there is no date to draw. - **The total beside each bar** is the whole thing: years from the day she landed to the day she most likely gets an answer. **Three years longer for most people. Twelve, if you came to do a PhD.** On a work permit she’d be applying in 2031 today; the Scheme makes it 2034. Married to an Irish citizen, 2029 becomes 2031. Time on a student stamp doesn’t count in either world, so someone who does a master’s and a doctorate here won’t get to apply until 2038, twelve years after she arrived. And if she came on Temporary Protection, the new clock doesn’t start at all. The chart is by [Deliberately Éire](https://deliberatelyeire.github.io/article/irish-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026), from their guide to the Scheme, which is worth reading in full. Find them on X at [@delibratelyEire](https://x.com/delibratelyEire). ## The evidence — What they say. What the numbers say. Every justification offered for the Bill, next to the best data we could find. In every one of them the data points the other way. “Citizenship is an important part of successful integration.” Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice [11] Earlier beats later Agreed. The research says citizenship is what *causes* integration, and the earlier it comes the stronger the effect. Adding three years delays the thing the Minister says he wants. [20] [21] [18] Backwards “Bringing us more in line with other European Union member states.” Micheál Martin, Taoiseach [11] 5 years is the norm The most common requirement in the world. Germany went from eight to five in 2024. The six countries the Minister compared us to are among the strictest in Europe. [18] [19] [2] Cherry-picked “Economic self-sufficiency … an absence of reliance on social assistance.” Department of Justice, 9 Sept 2026 [1] 20% vs 11% Non-EU-born residents at risk of poverty, against Irish-born. They work more, are paid less, and 37% spend over a third of their income on rent against 9% of Irish-born. A welfare bar hits exactly them. [42] Punishes the poorest *Not said, but implied by “the biggest reform in a generation”:* the system needs fixing. Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice [2] 31,000 decisions, 27,376 applications In 2024 the Department cleared more cases than it received, and the wait for a decision fell from two years to about eight months. [26] [28] Already fixed - Impact assessment **not published** - Research or data **none cited** - Defect in the current system **none named** - Why “eight” **not explained** - Nov 2025 tightening **not reviewed** [1] > “People are getting cross about immigration” is not a regulatory impact assessment. — Terence Cosgrave, Irish Medical Times, 10 Sept 2026 [16] ## The published research — Every study we could find says the opposite. Citizenship is what makes people belong. It is not a prize for already belonging. Swiss referendums narrowly won or lost, comparing near-identical applicants. Lasting gains in political integration. PNAS, 2015 [20] The earlier it comes, the more good it does. Same design, social integration. Effects strongest for the most marginalised applicants, and stronger the earlier in the residence period naturalisation occurs. American Political Science Review [21] People earn more for the rest of their working lives. Quasi-experimental evidence on marginalised immigrants in Switzerland. Science Advances, 2019 [22] “Restricting access to citizenship may delay rather than bolster migrants’ integration.” The European Parliament’s own research service, reviewing the restrictive turn across the EU and finding it “at odds with important findings in citizenship research”. EPRS Briefing PE 769502, 2025 [18] ## Comparison — Where eight years would put Ireland | Country | Residence required (years) | Note | Source | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Ireland | 5 → 8 | 5 now, 8 proposed | [53] | | Germany | 5 | cut from 8, 2024 | [54] | | France | 5 | | [55] | | Netherlands | 5 | | [56] | | Luxembourg | 5 | | [57] | | United Kingdom | 5 | plus settlement | [58] | | Finland | 8 | raised from 5 | [59] | | Cyprus | 8 | raised from 5 | [60] | | Sweden | 8 | from Jun 2026 | [61] | | Denmark | 9 | | [62] | | Italy | 10 | | [63] | | Portugal | 10 | raised from 5, 2026 | [64] | | Spain | 10 | general | [65] | | Austria | 10 | | [66] | **Ireland is not the only country tightening.** Finland, Cyprus, Sweden and Portugal have moved too. But Germany went the other way, five years is still the most common rule in the world, and the global average is seven. [18] [19] When the Minister compared Ireland to other countries he picked Austria, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland [2]: six of the strictest. Not Germany. **Every bar cites its own law.** Hover the number beside a country for the statute and the article the figure comes from. Ordinary naturalisation only, facilitated routes excluded: that is why Portugal shows ten and not the seven years it asks of EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals [64] and Spain shows ten and not the **two years** it asks of nationals of Ibero-American countries including Brazil. [65] Residence periods are policy instruments, not neutral measures of belonging. Cross-check across all of them: EPRS 2025, drawing on GLOBALCIT and EMN. [18] ### Longer waits did not mean fewer immigrants. They meant more people without rights. **Germany** 8 → 5 years, 2024 “Eight years is too long, and does not match the five years usual in many countries.” *Government bill, 2023, translated* 332,500 naturalised in 2025, the most ever. Up 46% in 2024, up 14% again. The new conservative government kept five years. [47] **Sweden** 5 → 8 years, Jun 2026 “Strengthen the importance of citizenship and the Swedish community.” *Migration Minister Johan Forssell, 2026* 100,000 pending applicants caught by the new rules with no transition period, passed by one vote, 147 to 146. Union chief: “we make it harder for Sweden than we need to”. [48] **Austria** 10 years since 2006 “A large number of different and confusing rules on deadlines.” *Explanatory memo, 2005, translated. Not integration.* 35.6% of Vienna’s voting-age residents cannot vote, 611,000 people. Naturalisation rate 0.7 per 100, fourth lowest in the EU. Council of Europe: “ECRI regrets this regression”. [49] **Portugal** 5 → 10 years, 2026 “Reinforce the requirement of an effective connection to the national community.” *Minister António Leitão Amaro, 2025, translated* 4 provisions struck by the Constitutional Court, then a presidential veto. Signed in May 2026 with a warning that it “should rest on greater consensus”. [50] **Cyprus** 5 → 8 years, Dec 2023 “Attract talented and specialised foreign individuals.” *European Commission summary, 2024* 12,000 applications pending, three-year wait. “Very few naturalisation applications in 2025, even for people who were born in Cyprus.” [51] **Italy** 10 years since 1992 “An excellent law, among the most open.” *Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, 2025* 915,000 pupils in Italian schools with no citizenship. Two thirds of them were born in Italy. [52] Naturalisation rates are Eurostat 2024, citizenships granted per 100 non-national residents. Quotes are verbatim from the linked sources; translations marked. ## Effect — These are the people Ireland asked to come Recruited by the State. Now told by the State to wait three more years. 8 in 10 new nurses and midwives, 2024, trained abroad [44] 8 in 10 non-training hospital doctors qualified abroad [16] 4 in 10 of all doctors qualified abroad [16] 5 in 10 new work permits, 2024, were Critical Skills [45] 39,390work permits in 2024, the most ever [45] | Sector | Work permits, 2024 | | --- | --- | | Health & social care | 12,501 | | ICT | 6,788 | | Farming | 3,625 | | Hospitality | 3,358 | *Figure: Of 89,496 registered nurses and midwives, 54,067 trained in Ireland, 18,464 in India, 7,040 in the Philippines, 3,247 in the UK* One in four came from India or the Philippines. [44] The Bill also stretches the spouse-of-an-Irish-citizen route from three years to five. [5] [8] ## TD replies · as of 22 October 2026 — Where the TDs stand. 129 members of the Oireachtas, 116 TDs and 13 Senators. 91 answered someone using this page, who forwarded the reply: 45 in their own words, 46 with a party template. 30 more have not answered anyone but are on the record: 7 spoke in the Seanad on 24 Sep, 1 spoke against it in public, 13 spoke in the Dáil on 30 Sep, 5 tabled a Dáil question on 16 Sep, 3 asked in the Dáil on 30 Sep about a transition and 1 asked in the Dáil on 30 Sep only for applications already made. 8 were written to with no reply seen. Stances are read from the forwarded replies and what members said in the Oireachtas or in public, nothing else. **Press a TD:** click their name to write to a councillor in their constituency, their own party’s first. The beside it opens their Oireachtas profile. [What they said in the Dáil and the Seanad, word for word, with the record →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes) *Figure: Oppose 5 → 8: 30; Pushing a transition: 26; No position: 36; Support 5 → 8: 29; No reply seen: 8* 30 ### Oppose 5 → 8 Explicitly against the eight years. Concrete action: PQs, amendments, voting against - [Conor SheehanLab · Limerick City](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=conor-sheehan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Conor-Sheehan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Duncan SmithLab · Dublin Fingal East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=duncan-smith#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Duncan-Smith.D.2020-02-08/) - [Eoghan KennyLab · Cork North-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=eoghan-kenny#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Eoghan-Kenny.D.2024-11-29/) - [Marie SherlockLab · Dublin Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=marie-sherlock#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Marie-Sherlock.S.2020-03-30/) - [Gary GannonSocDem · Dublin Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=gary-gannon#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Gary-Gannon.D.2020-02-08/) - [Ruth CoppingerPBP · Dublin West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=ruth-coppinger#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Ruth-Coppinger.D.2014-05-23/) - [Roderic O'GormanGreen · Dublin West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=roderic-ogorman#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Roderic-O'Gorman.D.2020-02-08/) - [Barry WardFG · Dún Laoghaire](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=barry-ward#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Barry-Ward.S.2020-03-30/) - [Paul GogartyInd · Dublin Mid-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=paul-gogarty#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Paul-Nicholas-Gogarty.D.2002-06-06/) Clear party stance, general actions - [Ivana BacikLab · Dublin Bay South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=ivana-bacik#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Ivana-Bacik.S.2007-07-23/) - [Eoin HayesSocDem · Dublin Bay South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=eoin-hayes#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Eoin-Hayes.D.2024-11-29/) - [Jen CumminsSocDem · Dublin South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=jen-cummins#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Jen-Cummins.D.2024-11-29/) - [Ciarán AhernLab · Dublin South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=ciaran-ahern#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Ciarán-Ahern.D.2024-11-29/) - [George LawlorLab · Wexford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=george-lawlor#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/George-Lawlor.D.2024-11-29/) - [Liam QuaideSocDem · Cork East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=liam-quaide#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Liam-Quaide.D.2024-11-29/) - [Mark WallLab · Kildare South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=mark-wall#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Mark-Wall.S.2020-03-30/) - [Pádraig RiceSocDem · Cork South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=padraig-rice#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Pádraig-Rice.D.2024-11-29/) - [Rory HearneSocDem · Dublin North-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=rory-hearne#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Rory-Hearne.D.2024-11-29/) - [Laura HarmonLab · Senator, Industrial and Commercial Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Laura-Harmon.S.2025-01-29/) - [Alan KellyLab · Tipperary North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=alan-kelly#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Alan-Kelly.S.2007-07-23/) - [Holly CairnsSocDem · Cork South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=holly-cairns#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Holly-Cairns.D.2020-02-08/) - [Cian O'CallaghanSocDem · Dublin Bay North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=cian-ocallaghan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Cian-O'Callaghan.D.2020-02-08/) - [Jennifer WhitmoreSocDem · Wicklow](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=jennifer-whitmore#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Jennifer-Whitmore.D.2020-02-08/) - [Ged NashLab · Louth](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=ged-nash#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Gerald-Nash.D.2011-03-09/) - [Richard Boyd BarrettPBP · Dún Laoghaire](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=richard-boyd-barrett#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/) - [Malcolm NoonanGreen · Senator, Agricultural Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Malcolm-Noonan.D.2020-02-08/) Spoke in the Seanad on 24 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Patricia StephensonSocDem · Senator, Labour Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Patricia-Stephenson.S.2025-01-29/) Spoke against it in public, no reply to constituents - [Paul MurphyPBP · Dublin South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=paul-murphy#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/) Spoke in the Dáil on 30 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Sinéad GibneySocDem · Dublin Rathdown](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=sinead-gibney#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Sinéad-Gibney.D.2024-11-29/) - [Seamus HealyInd · Tipperary South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=seamus-healy#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Seamus-Healy.D.2000-06-22/) 26 ### Pushing a transition Not against eight years, but pressing for people not yet at five. Raised with the Minister, or concrete action taken - [Brian BrennanFG · Wicklow-Wexford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=brian-brennan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Brian-Brennan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Denise MitchellSF · Dublin Bay North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=denise-mitchell#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Denise-Mitchell.D.2016-10-03/) - [Michael CahillFF · Kerry](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=michael-cahill#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Michael-Cahill.D.2024-11-29/) - [Michael Healy-RaeInd · Kerry](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=michael-healy-rae#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Michael-Healy-Rae.D.2011-03-09/) - [James GeogheganFG · Dublin Bay South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=james-geoghegan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/James-Geoghegan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Seán Ó FearghaílFF · Kildare South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=sean-o-fearghail#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Seán-Ó-Fearghaíl.S.2000-06-09/) - [Barry HeneghanInd · Dublin Bay North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=barry-heneghan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Barry-Heneghan.D.2024-11-29/) Committed to seek it, no action yet - [Daniel EnnisSocDem · Dublin Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=daniel-ennis#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Daniel-Ennis.D.2026-05-25/) - [Naoise Ó MuiríFG · Dublin Bay North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=naoise-o-muiri#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Naoise-Ó-Muirí.D.2024-11-29/) - [Séamus McGrathFF · Cork South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=seamus-mcgrath#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Séamus-McGrath.D.2024-11-29/) - [Claire KerraneSF · Roscommon-Galway](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=claire-kerrane#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Claire-Kerrane.D.2020-02-08/) - [Shay BrennanFF · Dublin Rathdown](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=shay-brennan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Shay-Brennan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Máire DevineSF · Dublin South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=maire-devine#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Máire-Devine.S.2016-04-25/) - [Aengus Ó SnodaighSF · Dublin South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=aengus-o-snodaigh#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Aengus-Ó-Snodaigh.D.2002-06-06/) - [John Paul O'SheaFG · Cork North-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=john-paul-oshea#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/John-Paul-O'Shea.D.2024-11-29/) - [Lynn RuaneInd · Senator, Dublin University](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Lynn-Ruane.S.2016-04-25/) Tabled a Dáil question on 16 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Conor D. McGuinnessSF · Waterford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=conor-d-mcguinness#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Conor-D-McGuinness.D.2024-11-29/) - [Donna McGettiganSF · Clare](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=donna-mcgettigan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Donna-McGettigan.D.2024-11-29/) - [John LahartFF · Dublin South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=john-lahart#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/John-Lahart.D.2016-10-03/) - [Noel McCarthyFG · Cork East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=noel-mccarthy#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Noel-McCarthy.D.2024-11-29/) - [Pa DalySF · Kerry](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=pa-daly#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Pa-Daly.D.2020-02-08/) Spoke in the Seanad on 24 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Aubrey McCarthyInd · Senator, Dublin University](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Aubrey-McCarthy.S.2025-01-29/) Spoke in the Dáil on 30 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Michael CollinsInd Ireland · Cork South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=michael-collins#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Michael-Collins.D.2016-10-03/) - [Shane MoynihanFF · Dublin Mid-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=shane-moynihan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Shane-Moynihan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Malcolm ByrneFF · Wicklow-Wexford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=malcolm-byrne#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Malcolm-Byrne.D.2019-11-29/) - [Richard O'DonoghueInd Ireland · Limerick County](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=richard-odonoghue#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Richard-O'Donoghue.D.2020-02-08/) 36 ### No position Replied, but did not say where they stand. Sympathetic, but no commitment - [Catherine CallaghanFG · Carlow-Kilkenny](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=catherine-callaghan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Catherine-Callaghan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Maeve O'ConnellFG · Dublin Rathdown](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=maeve-oconnell#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Maeve-O'Connell.D.2024-11-29/) - [Alan DillonFG · Mayo](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=alan-dillon#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Alan-Dillon.D.2020-02-08/) - [Christopher O'SullivanFF · Cork South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=christopher-osullivan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Christopher-O'Sullivan.D.2020-02-08/) - [Tom ClonanInd · Senator, Dublin University](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Tom-Clonan.S.2022-04-04/) Procedural referral only - [Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireSF · Cork South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=donnchadh-o-laoghaire#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Donnchadh-Ó-Laoghaire.D.2016-10-03/) - [Jack ChambersFF · Dublin West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=jack-chambers#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Jack-Chambers.D.2016-10-03/) - [Colm BurkeFG · Cork North-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=colm-burke#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Colm-Burke.S.2011-05-25/) - [Hildegarde NaughtonFG · Galway West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=hildegarde-naughton#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Hildegarde-Naughton.S.2013-07-19/) - [Jerry ButtimerFG · Cork South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=jerry-buttimer#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Jerry-Buttimer.S.2007-07-23/) - [Martin HeydonFG · Kildare South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=martin-heydon#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Martin-Heydon.D.2011-03-09/) - [Micheál MartinFF · Cork South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=micheal-martin#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Micheál-Martin.D.1989-06-29/) - [Simon HarrisFG · Wicklow](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=simon-harris#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/) - [Timmy DooleyFF · Clare](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=timmy-dooley#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Timmy-Dooley.S.2002-09-12/) - [Tom BrabazonFF · Dublin Bay North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=tom-brabazon#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Tom-Brabazon.D.2024-11-29/) - [Noel GrealishInd · Galway West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=noel-grealish#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Noel-Grealish.D.2002-06-06/) - [Frankie FeighanFG · Sligo-Leitrim](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=frankie-feighan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Frank-Feighan.S.2002-09-12/) - [Marian HarkinInd · Sligo-Leitrim](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=marian-harkin#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Marian-Harkin.D.2002-06-06/) Sinn Féin party template - [Mairéad FarrellSF · Galway West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=mairead-farrell#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Mairéad-Farrell.D.2020-02-08/) - [Matt CarthySF · Cavan-Monaghan](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=matt-carthy#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Matt-Carthy.D.2020-02-08/) - [Ann GravesSF · Dublin Fingal East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=ann-graves#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Ann-Graves.D.2024-11-29/) - [Fionntán Ó SúilleabháinSF · Wicklow-Wexford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=fionntan-o-suilleabhain#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Fionntán-Ó-Súilleabháin.D.2024-11-29/) - [Seán CroweSF · Dublin South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=sean-crowe#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Seán-Crowe.D.2002-06-06/) - [Thomas GouldSF · Cork North-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=thomas-gould#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Thomas-Gould.D.2020-02-08/) - [Mark WardSF · Dublin Mid-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=mark-ward#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Mark-Ward.D.2019-11-29/) - [Pat BuckleySF · Cork East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=pat-buckley#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Pat-Buckley.D.2016-10-03/) - [Maurice QuinlivanSF · Limerick City](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=maurice-quinlivan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Maurice-Quinlivan.D.2016-10-03/) - [Louis O'HaraSF · Galway East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=louis-ohara#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Louis-O'Hara.D.2024-11-29/) - [John BradySF · Wicklow](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=john-brady#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/John-Brady.D.2016-10-03/) - [Paul DonnellySF · Dublin West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=paul-donnelly#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Paul-Donnelly.D.2020-02-08/) - [Darren O'RourkeSF · Meath East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=darren-orourke#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Darren-O'Rourke.D.2020-02-08/) - [Martin KennySF · Sligo-Leitrim](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=martin-kenny#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Martin-Kenny.D.2016-10-03/) Spoke in the Seanad on 24 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Pauline TullySF · Senator, Cultural and Educational Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Pauline-Tully.D.2020-02-08/) Spoke in the Dáil on 30 Sep, no reply to constituents - [David CullinaneSF · Waterford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=david-cullinane#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/David-Cullinane.S.2011-05-25/) - [Mattie McGrathInd · Tipperary South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=mattie-mcgrath#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Mattie-McGrath.D.2007-06-14/) - [Danny Healy-RaeInd · Kerry](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=danny-healy-rae#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Danny-Healy-Rae.D.2016-10-03/) 29 ### Support 5 → 8 For the eight years. Supports it, but has asked about a transition - [Emer HigginsFG · Dublin Mid-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=emer-higgins#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Emer-Higgins.D.2020-02-08/) - [Seán KyneFG · Galway West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=sean-kyne#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Seán-Kyne.D.2011-03-09/) - [Willie O'DeaFF · Limerick City](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=willie-odea#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Willie-O'Dea.D.1982-03-09/) - [Aisling DempseyFF · Meath West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=aisling-dempsey#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Aisling-Dempsey.D.2024-11-29/) - [Eamon ScanlonFF · Sligo-Leitrim](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=eamon-scanlon#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Eamon-Scanlon.S.2002-09-12/) - [Cormac DevlinFF · Dún Laoghaire](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=cormac-devlin#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Cormac-Devlin.D.2020-02-08/) In line with the General Scheme, transition not engaged - [Catherine ArdaghFF · Dublin South-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=catherine-ardagh#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Catherine-Ardagh.S.2016-04-25/) - [Jennifer Carroll MacNeillFG · Dún Laoghaire](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=jennifer-carroll-macneill#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Jennifer-Carroll-MacNeill.D.2020-02-08/) - [John CumminsFG · Waterford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=john-cummins#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/John-Cummins.S.2020-03-30/) - [Darragh O'BrienFF · Dublin Fingal East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=darragh-obrien#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Darragh-O'Brien.D.2007-06-14/) - [Helen McEnteeFG · Meath East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=helen-mcentee#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Helen-McEntee.D.2013-03-27/) - [James LawlessFF · Kildare North](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=james-lawless#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/James-Lawless.D.2016-10-03/) - [Erin McGreehanFF · Louth](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=erin-mcgreehan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Erin-McGreehan.S.2020-06-29/) - [Michael FitzmauriceInd Ireland · Roscommon-Galway](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=michael-fitzmaurice#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Michael-Fitzmaurice.D.2014-10-10/) - [Paula ButterlyFG · Louth](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=paula-butterly#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Paula-Butterly.D.2024-11-29/) - [Neale RichmondFG · Dublin Rathdown](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=neale-richmond#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Neale-Richmond.S.2016-04-25/) - [Mary ButlerFF · Waterford](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=mary-butler#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Mary-Butler.D.2016-10-03/) Spoke in the Seanad on 24 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Michael McDowellInd · Senator, NUI](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Michael-McDowell.D.1987-03-10/) - [Robbie GallagherFF · Senator, Labour Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Robbie-Gallagher.S.2016-04-25/) - [Cathal ByrneFG · Senator, Cultural and Educational Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Cathal-Byrne.S.2025-01-29/) - [Sarah O'ReillyAontú · Senator, Agricultural Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Sarah-O'Reilly.S.2025-01-29/) Asked in the Dáil on 30 Sep about a transition, no reply to constituents - [Cathal CroweFF · Clare](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=cathal-crowe#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Cathal-Crowe.D.2020-02-08/) - [John ClendennenFG · Offaly](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=john-clendennen#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/John-Clendennen.D.2024-11-29/) - [Paul McAuliffeFF · Dublin North-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=paul-mcauliffe#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Paul-McAuliffe.D.2020-02-08/) Asked in the Dáil on 30 Sep only for applications already made, no reply to constituents - [Martin DalyFF · Roscommon-Galway](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=martin-daly#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Martin-Daly.D.2024-11-29/) Spoke in the Dáil on 30 Sep, no reply to constituents - [Colm BrophyFG · Dublin South-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=colm-brophy#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Colm-Brophy.D.2016-10-03/) - [Edward TimminsFG · Wicklow](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=edward-timmins#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Edward-Timmins.D.2024-11-29/) - [Paul LawlessAontú · Mayo](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=paul-lawless#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Paul-Lawless.D.2024-11-29/) - [Carol NolanInd · Offaly](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=carol-nolan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Carol-Nolan.D.2016-10-03/) 8 ### No reply seen Written to; no reply has reached us. They may have answered since. Letter sent, nothing forwarded yet - [Albert DolanFF · Galway East](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=albert-dolan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Albert-Dolan.D.2024-11-29/) - [Eoin Ó BroinSF · Dublin Mid-West](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=eoin-o-broin#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Eoin-Ó-Broin.D.2016-10-03/) - [Jim O'CallaghanFF · Dublin Bay South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=jim-ocallaghan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Jim-O'Callaghan.D.2016-10-03/) - [Mary Lou McDonaldSF · Dublin Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=mary-lou-mcdonald#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Mary-Lou-McDonald.D.2011-03-09/) - [Pádraig O'SullivanFF · Cork North-Central](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=padraig-osullivan#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Pádraig-O'Sullivan.D.2019-11-29/) - [Shónagh Ní RaghallaighSF · Kildare South](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure?td=shonagh-ni-raghallaigh#write)[↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Shónagh-Ní-Raghallaigh.D.2024-11-29/) - [Garret KelleherFG · Senator, Industrial and Commercial Panel](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Garret-Kelleher.S.2025-01-29/) - [Anne RabbitteFF · Senator, Taoiseach’s nominee](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Anne-Rabbitte.D.2016-10-03/) Fianna Fáil · Fine Gael · Sinn Féin · Labour Party · Social Democrats · Green Party · People Before Profit-Solidarity · Independent Ireland · Independent · names open the Oireachtas profile Your TD is not here, or has answered since? Forward the reply and the board is updated. Nothing is published beyond the stance. Compiled by Siqi from the replies sent to the campaign. [Forward a reply](mailto:contact@keepitfive.ie?subject=TD%20reply)[Let’s pressure them!](https://keepitfive.ie/pressure#write) ## In their own words — What they said in the Dáil and the Seanad. 55 quotes from 33 TDs and Senators, from every side of both Houses. Every word is as the official record has it, from the Seanad’s statements on citizenship on 24 September 2026 and the Dáil’s on 30 September, and each links to where it was said. ## Moving the goalposts People came on the promise of five years and planned their lives on it; most cannot even apply yet. Changing it when they are nearly there, said on every side, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael too. > “It is five years already, plus another two years by the time it is processed, so that is seven years. Moving it to eight years is essentially moving it to ten. These are people who are contributing to our society. They are paying taxes. They are working. They are integrating and the Government is simply moving the goalposts on them. People who had expectations around when they were going to have citizenship have had their lives upturned by this decision.” **Sinéad Gibney** TD for Dublin Rathdown · Social Democrats[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/192/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/sinead-gibney-12c990)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CMoving%20it%20to%20eight%20years%20is%20essentially%20moving%20it%20to%20ten.%20These%20are%20people%20who%20are%20contributing%20to%20our%20society.%20They%20are%20paying%20taxes.%20They%20are%20working.%E2%80%9D%20Sin%C3%A9ad%20Gibney%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fsinead-gibney-12c990)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CMoving%20it%20to%20eight%20years%20is%20essentially%20moving%20it%20to%20ten.%20These%20are%20people%20who%20are%20contributing%20to%20our%20society.%20They%20are%20paying%20taxes.%20They%20are%20working.%E2%80%9D%20Sin%C3%A9ad%20Gibney%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fsinead-gibney-12c990)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fsinead-gibney-12c990)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CMoving%20it%20to%20eight%20years%20is%20essentially%20moving%20it%20to%20ten.%20These%20are%20people%20who%20are%20contributing%20to%20our%20society.%20They%20are%20paying%20taxes.%20They%20are%20working.%E2%80%9D%20Sin%C3%A9ad%20Gibney%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fsinead-gibney-12c990)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fsinead-gibney-12c990)[Email](mailto:?subject=Sin%C3%A9ad%20Gibney%3A%20%E2%80%9CMoving%20it%20to%20eight%20years%20is%20essentially%20moving%20it%20to%20ten.%20These%20are%20people%20who%20are%20contributing%20to%20our%20society.%20They%20are%20paying%20taxes.%20They%20are%20working.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CMoving%20it%20to%20eight%20years%20is%20essentially%20moving%20it%20to%20ten.%20These%20are%20people%20who%20are%20contributing%20to%20our%20society.%20They%20are%20paying%20taxes.%20They%20are%20working.%E2%80%9D%20Sin%C3%A9ad%20Gibney%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fsinead-gibney-12c990) > “The goalposts should not be moved on them midway through the process. It is not fair. They should be assessed according to the rules under which they came to Ireland. This is about fairness and ensuring people who came here and followed the rules as they were laid out when they came are not simply told, when they are some bit of the way along, that the requirement is going up to eight or ten years. That is not fair.” **Conor Sheehan** TD for Limerick City · Labour Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/197/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/conor-sheehan-8ab4cd)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThe%20goalposts%20should%20not%20be%20moved%20on%20them%20midway%20through%20the%20process.%20It%20is%20not%20fair.%20They%20should%20be%20assessed%20according%20to%20the%20rules%20under%20which%20they%20came%20to%20Ireland.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-8ab4cd)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThe%20goalposts%20should%20not%20be%20moved%20on%20them%20midway%20through%20the%20process.%20It%20is%20not%20fair.%20They%20should%20be%20assessed%20according%20to%20the%20rules%20under%20which%20they%20came%20to%20Ireland.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-8ab4cd)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-8ab4cd)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThe%20goalposts%20should%20not%20be%20moved%20on%20them%20midway%20through%20the%20process.%20It%20is%20not%20fair.%20They%20should%20be%20assessed%20according%20to%20the%20rules%20under%20which%20they%20came%20to%20Ireland.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-8ab4cd)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-8ab4cd)[Email](mailto:?subject=Conor%20Sheehan%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20goalposts%20should%20not%20be%20moved%20on%20them%20midway%20through%20the%20process.%20It%20is%20not%20fair.%20They%20should%20be%20assessed%20according%20to%20the%20rules%20under%20which%20they%20came%20to%20Ireland.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThe%20goalposts%20should%20not%20be%20moved%20on%20them%20midway%20through%20the%20process.%20It%20is%20not%20fair.%20They%20should%20be%20assessed%20according%20to%20the%20rules%20under%20which%20they%20came%20to%20Ireland.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-8ab4cd) > “These families have made a permanent commitment to this country and it would be deeply unfair to move the goalposts for these individuals now. It must not happen. The five-year rule must stay for anyone who is currently in this country.” **Seamus Healy** TD for Tipperary South · Independent[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/205/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/seamus-healy-f4aca9)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThe%20five-year%20rule%20must%20stay%20for%20anyone%20who%20is%20currently%20in%20this%20country.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-f4aca9)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThe%20five-year%20rule%20must%20stay%20for%20anyone%20who%20is%20currently%20in%20this%20country.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-f4aca9)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-f4aca9)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThe%20five-year%20rule%20must%20stay%20for%20anyone%20who%20is%20currently%20in%20this%20country.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-f4aca9)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-f4aca9)[Email](mailto:?subject=Seamus%20Healy%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20five-year%20rule%20must%20stay%20for%20anyone%20who%20is%20currently%20in%20this%20country.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThe%20five-year%20rule%20must%20stay%20for%20anyone%20who%20is%20currently%20in%20this%20country.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-f4aca9) > “They got really good jobs and paid lots of taxes. They bought a house. They pay their property tax and their TV licence. … They have done everything they were told to do, but suddenly the Government is pulling the rug from under them. They came here four and a half years ago. They were looking forward to applying for citizenship in January.” **Pádraig Rice** TD for Cork South-Central · Social Democrats[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/190/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/padraig-rice-0421b0)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20done%20everything%20they%20were%20told%20to%20do%2C%20but%20suddenly%20the%20Government%20is%20pulling%20the%20rug%20from%20under%20them.%20They%20came%20here%20four%20and%20a%20half%20years%20ago.%E2%80%9D%20P%C3%A1draig%20Rice%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpadraig-rice-0421b0)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20done%20everything%20they%20were%20told%20to%20do%2C%20but%20suddenly%20the%20Government%20is%20pulling%20the%20rug%20from%20under%20them.%20They%20came%20here%20four%20and%20a%20half%20years%20ago.%E2%80%9D%20P%C3%A1draig%20Rice%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpadraig-rice-0421b0)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpadraig-rice-0421b0)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20done%20everything%20they%20were%20told%20to%20do%2C%20but%20suddenly%20the%20Government%20is%20pulling%20the%20rug%20from%20under%20them.%20They%20came%20here%20four%20and%20a%20half%20years%20ago.%E2%80%9D%20P%C3%A1draig%20Rice%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpadraig-rice-0421b0)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpadraig-rice-0421b0)[Email](mailto:?subject=P%C3%A1draig%20Rice%3A%20%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20done%20everything%20they%20were%20told%20to%20do%2C%20but%20suddenly%20the%20Government%20is%20pulling%20the%20rug%20from%20under%20them.%20They%20came%20here%20four%20and%20a%20half%20years%20ago.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20done%20everything%20they%20were%20told%20to%20do%2C%20but%20suddenly%20the%20Government%20is%20pulling%20the%20rug%20from%20under%20them.%20They%20came%20here%20four%20and%20a%20half%20years%20ago.%E2%80%9D%20P%C3%A1draig%20Rice%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpadraig-rice-0421b0) > “I will give the example of one who arrived in 2023 and planned their life around a five-year plan that would see a new life for them. They came here with good intentions. That has now moved to eight years. They are not looking for special treatment but are asking why the goalposts are being moved halfway through the match. My first ask is about transitional protection. Should people already on the path in Ireland be judged by the rules they came in under? … I also believe that changing the goalposts in the middle of the match is unfair.” **Aubrey McCarthy** Senator, Dublin University · Independent[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/82/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/aubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20not%20looking%20for%20special%20treatment%20but%20are%20asking%20why%20the%20goalposts%20are%20being%20moved%20halfway%20through%20the%20match.%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20not%20looking%20for%20special%20treatment%20but%20are%20asking%20why%20the%20goalposts%20are%20being%20moved%20halfway%20through%20the%20match.%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20not%20looking%20for%20special%20treatment%20but%20are%20asking%20why%20the%20goalposts%20are%20being%20moved%20halfway%20through%20the%20match.%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1)[Email](mailto:?subject=Aubrey%20McCarthy%3A%20%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20not%20looking%20for%20special%20treatment%20but%20are%20asking%20why%20the%20goalposts%20are%20being%20moved%20halfway%20through%20the%20match.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20not%20looking%20for%20special%20treatment%20but%20are%20asking%20why%20the%20goalposts%20are%20being%20moved%20halfway%20through%20the%20match.%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-8e43e1) > “A lot of people feel that they are having the rug pulled out from underneath them. They have been living here and have been contributing. … Some applicants may have been here for four years and six months. They had a pathway, a plan for their lives and suddenly that is about to change.” **Patricia Stephenson** Senator, Labour Panel · Social Democrats[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/80/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “The rules on that should be based on the rules on the day they came here, and if new rules are being implemented, they should not be part of that. … It is the same as any rule that changes in that it should change from here on out.” **Richard O'Donoghue** TD for Limerick County · Independent Ireland[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/211/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “That protection should be written clearly into the Bill. People who came here, planned their lives around the five-year rule, and are working here, especially those nearing eligibility, deserve certainty and fairness.” **Michael Collins** TD for Cork South-West · Independent Ireland[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/214/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “I think five years is enough if the application process is tough enough in the first place. … In that context, there are many here who are already making a good contribution to our country who should be rewarded through that pathway.” **Paul Gogarty** TD for Dublin Mid-West · Independent[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/216/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “It is going after people who have migrated to our island, who have already contributed positively to our country, who work hard, who are part of our communities and who want to become citizens. All the Government has done is create uncertainty for these people, and to me this is wrong.” **Mark Ward** TD for Dublin Mid-West · Sinn Féin[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/210/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “The transitional arrangements also need to be considered for those who have established their lives here under the existing rules and had legitimate expectations about when they would qualify for citizenship based on their reckonable residence.” **Matt Carthy** TD for Cavan-Monaghan · Sinn Féin[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/188/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “The question of whether transitional arrangements should be put in place for people who have established their lives in Ireland under the existing rules with expectations around when they could apply for citizenship based on reckonable residency must be examined.” **Pauline Tully** Senator, Cultural and Educational Panel · Sinn Féin[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/79/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “In fairness to the universal theme that has been evident in this Chamber, so far at least – and I have listened to the entire debate – every person who has stood up has spoken about the value and importance of migration, in all parties and none. … I urge the Minister of State and the senior Minister in the Department to examine this issue of being proportionate and fair to people who have played by the rules. They should be covered by the existing regime and not by any new regime that will be introduced.” **James Geoghegan** TD for Dublin Bay South · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/208/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/james-geoghegan-605d93)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CI%20urge%20the%20Minister%20of%20State%20and%20the%20senior%20Minister%20in%20the%20Department%20to%20examine%20this%20issue%20of%20being%20proportionate%20and%20fair%20to%20people%20who%20have%20played%20by%20the%20rules.%20They%20should%20be%20covered%20by%20the%20existing%20regime%20and%20not%20by%20any%20new%20regime%20that%20will%20be%20introduced.%E2%80%9D%20James%20Geoghegan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjames-geoghegan-605d93)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CI%20urge%20the%20Minister%20of%20State%20and%20the%20senior%20Minister%20in%20the%20Department%20to%20examine%20this%20issue%20of%20being%20proportionate%20and%20fair%20to%20people%20who%20have%20played%20by%20the%20rules.%20They%20should%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20James%20Geoghegan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjames-geoghegan-605d93)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjames-geoghegan-605d93)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CI%20urge%20the%20Minister%20of%20State%20and%20the%20senior%20Minister%20in%20the%20Department%20to%20examine%20this%20issue%20of%20being%20proportionate%20and%20fair%20to%20people%20who%20have%20played%20by%20the%20rules.%20They%20should%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20James%20Geoghegan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjames-geoghegan-605d93)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjames-geoghegan-605d93)[Email](mailto:?subject=James%20Geoghegan%3A%20%E2%80%9CI%20urge%20the%20Minister%20of%20State%20and%20the%20senior%20Minister%20in%20the%20Department%20to%20examine%20this%20issue%20of%20being%20proportionate%20and%20fair%20to%20people%20who%20have%20played%20by%20the%20rules.%20They%20should%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CI%20urge%20the%20Minister%20of%20State%20and%20the%20senior%20Minister%20in%20the%20Department%20to%20examine%20this%20issue%20of%20being%20proportionate%20and%20fair%20to%20people%20who%20have%20played%20by%20the%20rules.%20They%20should%20be%20covered%20by%20the%20existing%20regime%20and%20not%20by%20any%20new%20regime%20that%20will%20be%20introduced.%E2%80%9D%20James%20Geoghegan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjames-geoghegan-605d93) > “I have a particular concern about the proposal to extend the residency period from five to eight years. I have constituents and friends who may already have started in the system or have not yet applied for citizenship and often have Irish partners. They are very concerned about these proposals. … It would send out an important message to those already in Ireland if the five-year requirement were to continue.” **Malcolm Byrne** TD for Wicklow-Wexford · Fianna Fáil[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/199/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/malcolm-byrne-d21b77)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20would%20send%20out%20an%20important%20message%20to%20those%20already%20in%20Ireland%20if%20the%20five-year%20requirement%20were%20to%20continue.%E2%80%9D%20Malcolm%20Byrne%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmalcolm-byrne-d21b77)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20would%20send%20out%20an%20important%20message%20to%20those%20already%20in%20Ireland%20if%20the%20five-year%20requirement%20were%20to%20continue.%E2%80%9D%20Malcolm%20Byrne%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmalcolm-byrne-d21b77)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmalcolm-byrne-d21b77)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20would%20send%20out%20an%20important%20message%20to%20those%20already%20in%20Ireland%20if%20the%20five-year%20requirement%20were%20to%20continue.%E2%80%9D%20Malcolm%20Byrne%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmalcolm-byrne-d21b77)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmalcolm-byrne-d21b77)[Email](mailto:?subject=Malcolm%20Byrne%3A%20%E2%80%9CIt%20would%20send%20out%20an%20important%20message%20to%20those%20already%20in%20Ireland%20if%20the%20five-year%20requirement%20were%20to%20continue.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CIt%20would%20send%20out%20an%20important%20message%20to%20those%20already%20in%20Ireland%20if%20the%20five-year%20requirement%20were%20to%20continue.%E2%80%9D%20Malcolm%20Byrne%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmalcolm-byrne-d21b77) > “However, like other speakers, I would say there are people in our State at the moment who came here and who started on the citizenship journey. They are very far along that journey and their circumstances need to be taken into account.” **Shane Moynihan** TD for Dublin Mid-West · Fianna Fáil[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/195/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/shane-moynihan-cf436e)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20very%20far%20along%20that%20journey%20and%20their%20circumstances%20need%20to%20be%20taken%20into%20account.%E2%80%9D%20Shane%20Moynihan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fshane-moynihan-cf436e)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20very%20far%20along%20that%20journey%20and%20their%20circumstances%20need%20to%20be%20taken%20into%20account.%E2%80%9D%20Shane%20Moynihan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fshane-moynihan-cf436e)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fshane-moynihan-cf436e)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20very%20far%20along%20that%20journey%20and%20their%20circumstances%20need%20to%20be%20taken%20into%20account.%E2%80%9D%20Shane%20Moynihan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fshane-moynihan-cf436e)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fshane-moynihan-cf436e)[Email](mailto:?subject=Shane%20Moynihan%3A%20%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20very%20far%20along%20that%20journey%20and%20their%20circumstances%20need%20to%20be%20taken%20into%20account.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20very%20far%20along%20that%20journey%20and%20their%20circumstances%20need%20to%20be%20taken%20into%20account.%E2%80%9D%20Shane%20Moynihan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fshane-moynihan-cf436e) > “Some people have come here, worked, paid their taxes, raised children and built their lives around an understanding of the pathway to citizenship that existed when they arrived. They now need clarity and certainty. They need to know where they stand.” **Catherine Callaghan** TD for Carlow-Kilkenny · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/217/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/catherine-callaghan-634b70)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CSome%20people%20have%20come%20here%2C%20worked%2C%20paid%20their%20taxes%2C%20raised%20children%20and%20built%20their%20lives%20around%20an%20understanding%20of%20the%20pathway%20to%20citizenship%20that%20existed%20when%20they%20arrived.%E2%80%9D%20Catherine%20Callaghan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcatherine-callaghan-634b70)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CSome%20people%20have%20come%20here%2C%20worked%2C%20paid%20their%20taxes%2C%20raised%20children%20and%20built%20their%20lives%20around%20an%20understanding%20of%20the%20pathway%20to%20citizenship%20that%20existed%20when%20they%20arrived.%E2%80%9D%20Catherine%20Callaghan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcatherine-callaghan-634b70)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcatherine-callaghan-634b70)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CSome%20people%20have%20come%20here%2C%20worked%2C%20paid%20their%20taxes%2C%20raised%20children%20and%20built%20their%20lives%20around%20an%20understanding%20of%20the%20pathway%20to%20citizenship%20that%20existed%20when%20they%20arrived.%E2%80%9D%20Catherine%20Callaghan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcatherine-callaghan-634b70)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcatherine-callaghan-634b70)[Email](mailto:?subject=Catherine%20Callaghan%3A%20%E2%80%9CSome%20people%20have%20come%20here%2C%20worked%2C%20paid%20their%20taxes%2C%20raised%20children%20and%20built%20their%20lives%20around%20an%20understanding%20of%20the%20pathway%20to%20citizenship%20that%20existed%20when%20they%20arrived.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CSome%20people%20have%20come%20here%2C%20worked%2C%20paid%20their%20taxes%2C%20raised%20children%20and%20built%20their%20lives%20around%20an%20understanding%20of%20the%20pathway%20to%20citizenship%20that%20existed%20when%20they%20arrived.%E2%80%9D%20Catherine%20Callaghan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcatherine-callaghan-634b70) ## Even those for the eight years TDs and Senators who back the Bill, asking for the people already here. > “However, reform must also be fair. Many people came here on work permits. They are nurses in our hospitals, carers in our nursing homes and staff in our businesses. They played by the rules as they were and I welcome the assurance that they will be fair. … First, that clear transitional arrangements for those already living and working here are set out early, so they can plan with certainty.” **Cormac Devlin** TD for Dún Laoghaire · Fianna Fáil[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/193/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “I understand the eight-year rule that the Minister is introducing but I would ask him to give consideration to some individuals who have been in the system, who have made Ireland their home and who are now finding that they will have to extend their time.” **John Clendennen** TD for Offaly · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/194/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “I look forward to a detailed debate there because there are questions with regard to addressing the transitionary arrangements. However, in the same way that these are common-sense proposals, I expect that those transition arrangements will also be dealt with in a common-sense way.” **Paul McAuliffe** TD for Dublin North-West · Fianna Fáil[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/219/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “There should be some flexibility for those people who are in a family situation, co-parenting with an Irish citizen, and who should be in a position not to have to wait a further three years if they can satisfy the other criteria proposed to be brought into law.” **Michael McDowell** Senator, NUI · Independent[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/76/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “It seems a little unfair, if they have chosen to stay here to study and then contribute to society, that we would not recognise those years.” **Paula Butterly** TD for Louth · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/200/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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## No evidence, no problem to fix Nobody in either House was shown why eight, or what it is meant to solve. > “There is no evidence for this because if the evidence existed, then the Minister would publish it. He has not done so and he will not do so.” **Conor Sheehan** TD for Limerick City · Labour Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/197/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/conor-sheehan-df859b)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20evidence%20for%20this%20because%20if%20the%20evidence%20existed%2C%20then%20the%20Minister%20would%20publish%20it.%20He%20has%20not%20done%20so%20and%20he%20will%20not%20do%20so.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-df859b)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20evidence%20for%20this%20because%20if%20the%20evidence%20existed%2C%20then%20the%20Minister%20would%20publish%20it.%20He%20has%20not%20done%20so%20and%20he%20will%20not%20do%20so.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-df859b)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-df859b)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20evidence%20for%20this%20because%20if%20the%20evidence%20existed%2C%20then%20the%20Minister%20would%20publish%20it.%20He%20has%20not%20done%20so%20and%20he%20will%20not%20do%20so.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-df859b)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-df859b)[Email](mailto:?subject=Conor%20Sheehan%3A%20%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20evidence%20for%20this%20because%20if%20the%20evidence%20existed%2C%20then%20the%20Minister%20would%20publish%20it.%20He%20has%20not%20done%20so%20and%20he%20will%20not%20do%20so.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20evidence%20for%20this%20because%20if%20the%20evidence%20existed%2C%20then%20the%20Minister%20would%20publish%20it.%20He%20has%20not%20done%20so%20and%20he%20will%20not%20do%20so.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-df859b) > “What is most striking is that the Government has failed to explain what problems these measures are actually intended to solve.” **Roderic O'Gorman** TD for Dublin West · Green Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/204/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/roderic-ogorman-0a8207)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CWhat%20is%20most%20striking%20is%20that%20the%20Government%20has%20failed%20to%20explain%20what%20problems%20these%20measures%20are%20actually%20intended%20to%20solve.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-0a8207)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CWhat%20is%20most%20striking%20is%20that%20the%20Government%20has%20failed%20to%20explain%20what%20problems%20these%20measures%20are%20actually%20intended%20to%20solve.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-0a8207)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-0a8207)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CWhat%20is%20most%20striking%20is%20that%20the%20Government%20has%20failed%20to%20explain%20what%20problems%20these%20measures%20are%20actually%20intended%20to%20solve.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-0a8207)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-0a8207)[Email](mailto:?subject=Roderic%20O'Gorman%3A%20%E2%80%9CWhat%20is%20most%20striking%20is%20that%20the%20Government%20has%20failed%20to%20explain%20what%20problems%20these%20measures%20are%20actually%20intended%20to%20solve.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CWhat%20is%20most%20striking%20is%20that%20the%20Government%20has%20failed%20to%20explain%20what%20problems%20these%20measures%20are%20actually%20intended%20to%20solve.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-0a8207) > “However, I do not know what the problem is and maybe the Minister of State can outline what it is. What emergency are we responding to with this legislation? … All of our policy-making should be based on evidence and I am not seeing the evidence upon which this change was made.” **Patricia Stephenson** Senator, Labour Panel · Social Democrats[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/80/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “I understand that but it does not say what specific problem each new condition that is being introduced is meant to fix. … If you name the problem then you can measure the answer.” **Aubrey McCarthy** Senator, Dublin University · Independent[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/82/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “As the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has said, no rationale, research or evidence has been presented by the Department for these proposed changes and no issues have been identified in the current system.” **Seamus Healy** TD for Tipperary South · Independent[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/205/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “I would welcome discussion around the extension from five to eight years to see what is the basis for it, without prejudice, necessarily, but to understand the reasoning behind it.” **Shane Moynihan** TD for Dublin Mid-West · Fianna Fáil[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/195/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “That said, I fundamentally disagree with the proposal to change the basis on which citizenship by naturalisation would come about. In my opinion, we do not need to increase it to eight years. … I do not see the benefit for Ireland to increasing the period for naturalisation from five to eight years. I also do not think that anybody comes to this country on the basis of how long it takes before they apply for citizenship by naturalisation.” **Barry Ward** TD for Dún Laoghaire · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/201/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/barry-ward-80f296)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CIn%20my%20opinion%2C%20we%20do%20not%20need%20to%20increase%20it%20to%20eight%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-80f296)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CIn%20my%20opinion%2C%20we%20do%20not%20need%20to%20increase%20it%20to%20eight%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-80f296)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-80f296)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CIn%20my%20opinion%2C%20we%20do%20not%20need%20to%20increase%20it%20to%20eight%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-80f296)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-80f296)[Email](mailto:?subject=Barry%20Ward%3A%20%E2%80%9CIn%20my%20opinion%2C%20we%20do%20not%20need%20to%20increase%20it%20to%20eight%20years.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CIn%20my%20opinion%2C%20we%20do%20not%20need%20to%20increase%20it%20to%20eight%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-80f296) > “As regards the other changes, particularly with regard to citizenship, no one is coming to me saying there is a big problem with citizenship. The problem is trying to apply for it and the difficulties applicants are having with doing so.” **Martin Kenny** TD for Sligo-Leitrim · Sinn Féin[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/202/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “There has never been any demand in this Dáil or anywhere else for a discussion about citizenship.” **Ruth Coppinger** TD for Dublin West · People Before Profit-Solidarity[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/206/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “It is a solution to a problem that simply does not exist and one that will make real problems worse for people.” **Paul Murphy** TD for Dublin South-West · People Before Profit-Solidarity[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/203/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “I am totally against the changes to the residency period requirement to apply for citizenship. They are totally unnecessary.” **Eoghan Kenny** TD for Cork North-Central · Labour Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/198/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/eoghan-kenny-5b6667)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CI%20am%20totally%20against%20the%20changes%20to%20the%20residency%20period%20requirement%20to%20apply%20for%20citizenship.%20They%20are%20totally%20unnecessary.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-5b6667)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CI%20am%20totally%20against%20the%20changes%20to%20the%20residency%20period%20requirement%20to%20apply%20for%20citizenship.%20They%20are%20totally%20unnecessary.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-5b6667)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-5b6667)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CI%20am%20totally%20against%20the%20changes%20to%20the%20residency%20period%20requirement%20to%20apply%20for%20citizenship.%20They%20are%20totally%20unnecessary.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-5b6667)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-5b6667)[Email](mailto:?subject=Eoghan%20Kenny%3A%20%E2%80%9CI%20am%20totally%20against%20the%20changes%20to%20the%20residency%20period%20requirement%20to%20apply%20for%20citizenship.%20They%20are%20totally%20unnecessary.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CI%20am%20totally%20against%20the%20changes%20to%20the%20residency%20period%20requirement%20to%20apply%20for%20citizenship.%20They%20are%20totally%20unnecessary.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-5b6667) > “We need to have a fair, humane and evidence-based approach to how we do naturalisation and immigration.” **Jen Cummins** TD for Dublin South-Central · Social Democrats[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/191/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/jen-cummins-6b7cfd)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20to%20have%20a%20fair%2C%20humane%20and%20evidence-based%20approach%20to%20how%20we%20do%20naturalisation%20and%20immigration.%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-6b7cfd)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20to%20have%20a%20fair%2C%20humane%20and%20evidence-based%20approach%20to%20how%20we%20do%20naturalisation%20and%20immigration.%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-6b7cfd)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-6b7cfd)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20to%20have%20a%20fair%2C%20humane%20and%20evidence-based%20approach%20to%20how%20we%20do%20naturalisation%20and%20immigration.%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-6b7cfd)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-6b7cfd)[Email](mailto:?subject=Jen%20Cummins%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20to%20have%20a%20fair%2C%20humane%20and%20evidence-based%20approach%20to%20how%20we%20do%20naturalisation%20and%20immigration.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20to%20have%20a%20fair%2C%20humane%20and%20evidence-based%20approach%20to%20how%20we%20do%20naturalisation%20and%20immigration.%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-6b7cfd) ## Not in line with Europe The Government says eight years brings Ireland into line. Its own side disputes it. > “It does not bring us in line with Europe. Thirteen of the 27 EU countries have a requirement of five years or fewer for citizenship.” **Barry Ward** TD for Dún Laoghaire · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/201/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/barry-ward-8099ab)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20bring%20us%20in%20line%20with%20Europe.%20Thirteen%20of%20the%2027%20EU%20countries%20have%20a%20requirement%20of%20five%20years%20or%20fewer%20for%20citizenship.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-8099ab)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20bring%20us%20in%20line%20with%20Europe.%20Thirteen%20of%20the%2027%20EU%20countries%20have%20a%20requirement%20of%20five%20years%20or%20fewer%20for%20citizenship.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-8099ab)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-8099ab)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20bring%20us%20in%20line%20with%20Europe.%20Thirteen%20of%20the%2027%20EU%20countries%20have%20a%20requirement%20of%20five%20years%20or%20fewer%20for%20citizenship.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-8099ab)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-8099ab)[Email](mailto:?subject=Barry%20Ward%3A%20%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20bring%20us%20in%20line%20with%20Europe.%20Thirteen%20of%20the%2027%20EU%20countries%20have%20a%20requirement%20of%20five%20years%20or%20fewer%20for%20citizenship.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20bring%20us%20in%20line%20with%20Europe.%20Thirteen%20of%20the%2027%20EU%20countries%20have%20a%20requirement%20of%20five%20years%20or%20fewer%20for%20citizenship.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-8099ab) > “The Minister of State mentioned about bringing us so that we are not an outlier in Europe. I do not accept that point because 11 other countries have a five-year requirement.” **Patricia Stephenson** Senator, Labour Panel · Social Democrats[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/80/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “Claims that changes bring us into line with Europe do not ring true as several European countries retain the five-year rule, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and many others.” **Seamus Healy** TD for Tipperary South · Independent[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/205/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “Extending the residency requirement to eight years before people can even apply for citizenship is out of line with other countries. France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and the Netherlands allow people to apply after five years. In Canada, Australia and the US, where thousands of Irish people go every year, people can apply after three to five years.” **Paul Murphy** TD for Dublin South-West · People Before Profit-Solidarity[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/203/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/paul-murphy-96c511)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CFrance%2C%20Germany%2C%20Belgium%2C%20Luxembourg%2C%20Malta%20and%20the%20Netherlands%20allow%20people%20to%20apply%20after%20five%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Paul%20Murphy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpaul-murphy-96c511)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CFrance%2C%20Germany%2C%20Belgium%2C%20Luxembourg%2C%20Malta%20and%20the%20Netherlands%20allow%20people%20to%20apply%20after%20five%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Paul%20Murphy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpaul-murphy-96c511)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpaul-murphy-96c511)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CFrance%2C%20Germany%2C%20Belgium%2C%20Luxembourg%2C%20Malta%20and%20the%20Netherlands%20allow%20people%20to%20apply%20after%20five%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Paul%20Murphy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpaul-murphy-96c511)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpaul-murphy-96c511)[Email](mailto:?subject=Paul%20Murphy%3A%20%E2%80%9CFrance%2C%20Germany%2C%20Belgium%2C%20Luxembourg%2C%20Malta%20and%20the%20Netherlands%20allow%20people%20to%20apply%20after%20five%20years.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CFrance%2C%20Germany%2C%20Belgium%2C%20Luxembourg%2C%20Malta%20and%20the%20Netherlands%20allow%20people%20to%20apply%20after%20five%20years.%E2%80%9D%20Paul%20Murphy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpaul-murphy-96c511) ## Who it lands on Nurses, carers, doctors, engineers, researchers: the people the State recruited. > “Last week, some of the people who will be impacted by these changes protested outside Leinster House. I was struck by what they chanted, ‘We work, we pay tax’. Their frustration was tangible. These changes are impacting people who have played by the rules and who undertake crucial work.” **Roderic O'Gorman** TD for Dublin West · Green Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/204/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/roderic-ogorman-272b82)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CI%20was%20struck%20by%20what%20they%20chanted%2C%20%E2%80%98We%20work%2C%20we%20pay%20tax%E2%80%99.%20Their%20frustration%20was%20tangible.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-272b82)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CI%20was%20struck%20by%20what%20they%20chanted%2C%20%E2%80%98We%20work%2C%20we%20pay%20tax%E2%80%99.%20Their%20frustration%20was%20tangible.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-272b82)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-272b82)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CI%20was%20struck%20by%20what%20they%20chanted%2C%20%E2%80%98We%20work%2C%20we%20pay%20tax%E2%80%99.%20Their%20frustration%20was%20tangible.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-272b82)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-272b82)[Email](mailto:?subject=Roderic%20O'Gorman%3A%20%E2%80%9CI%20was%20struck%20by%20what%20they%20chanted%2C%20%E2%80%98We%20work%2C%20we%20pay%20tax%E2%80%99.%20Their%20frustration%20was%20tangible.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CI%20was%20struck%20by%20what%20they%20chanted%2C%20%E2%80%98We%20work%2C%20we%20pay%20tax%E2%80%99.%20Their%20frustration%20was%20tangible.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-272b82) > “This country does not function without foreign workers. If the people who come here to give us the benefit of their expertise, hard work and experience were to leave, we would not have a healthcare sector, hospitality sector or tech sector.” **Barry Ward** TD for Dún Laoghaire · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/201/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/barry-ward-dbb766)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThis%20country%20does%20not%20function%20without%20foreign%20workers.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-dbb766)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThis%20country%20does%20not%20function%20without%20foreign%20workers.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-dbb766)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-dbb766)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThis%20country%20does%20not%20function%20without%20foreign%20workers.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-dbb766)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-dbb766)[Email](mailto:?subject=Barry%20Ward%3A%20%E2%80%9CThis%20country%20does%20not%20function%20without%20foreign%20workers.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThis%20country%20does%20not%20function%20without%20foreign%20workers.%E2%80%9D%20Barry%20Ward%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fbarry-ward-dbb766) > “Our healthcare system simply would not function if it was not for many people who have come from outside of the country on work permits.” **David Cullinane** TD for Waterford · Sinn Féin[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/189/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/david-cullinane-522e61)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9COur%20healthcare%20system%20simply%20would%20not%20function%20if%20it%20was%20not%20for%20many%20people%20who%20have%20come%20from%20outside%20of%20the%20country%20on%20work%20permits.%E2%80%9D%20David%20Cullinane%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fdavid-cullinane-522e61)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9COur%20healthcare%20system%20simply%20would%20not%20function%20if%20it%20was%20not%20for%20many%20people%20who%20have%20come%20from%20outside%20of%20the%20country%20on%20work%20permits.%E2%80%9D%20David%20Cullinane%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fdavid-cullinane-522e61)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fdavid-cullinane-522e61)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9COur%20healthcare%20system%20simply%20would%20not%20function%20if%20it%20was%20not%20for%20many%20people%20who%20have%20come%20from%20outside%20of%20the%20country%20on%20work%20permits.%E2%80%9D%20David%20Cullinane%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fdavid-cullinane-522e61)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fdavid-cullinane-522e61)[Email](mailto:?subject=David%20Cullinane%3A%20%E2%80%9COur%20healthcare%20system%20simply%20would%20not%20function%20if%20it%20was%20not%20for%20many%20people%20who%20have%20come%20from%20outside%20of%20the%20country%20on%20work%20permits.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9COur%20healthcare%20system%20simply%20would%20not%20function%20if%20it%20was%20not%20for%20many%20people%20who%20have%20come%20from%20outside%20of%20the%20country%20on%20work%20permits.%E2%80%9D%20David%20Cullinane%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fdavid-cullinane-522e61) > “These workers were actively recruited by State agencies to address critical staff shortages. … They work and pay their taxes, they are law-abiding and they have brought their families here with them. They are embedded in local communities, on parents’ councils in the schools their children attend, and they are members of our sports clubs, with many playing our national games.” **Seamus Healy** TD for Tipperary South · Independent[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/205/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/seamus-healy-eea523)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThese%20workers%20were%20actively%20recruited%20by%20State%20agencies%20to%20address%20critical%20staff%20shortages.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-eea523)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThese%20workers%20were%20actively%20recruited%20by%20State%20agencies%20to%20address%20critical%20staff%20shortages.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-eea523)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-eea523)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThese%20workers%20were%20actively%20recruited%20by%20State%20agencies%20to%20address%20critical%20staff%20shortages.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-eea523)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-eea523)[Email](mailto:?subject=Seamus%20Healy%3A%20%E2%80%9CThese%20workers%20were%20actively%20recruited%20by%20State%20agencies%20to%20address%20critical%20staff%20shortages.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThese%20workers%20were%20actively%20recruited%20by%20State%20agencies%20to%20address%20critical%20staff%20shortages.%E2%80%9D%20Seamus%20Healy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fseamus-healy-eea523) > “They came here in their thousands under the rules we had already set. They are nurses, engineers and carers, etc. People were recruited under the critical skills permit because we needed them. … The people who staff our wards and build our homes deserve fair play when it comes to this.” **Aubrey McCarthy** Senator, Dublin University · Independent[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/82/)[Pushing a transition](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/aubrey-mccarthy-754cdf)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20came%20here%20in%20their%20thousands%20under%20the%20rules%20we%20had%20already%20set.%20They%20are%20nurses%2C%20engineers%20and%20carers%2C%20etc.%20People%20were%20recruited%20under%20the%20critical%20skills%20permit%20because%20we%20needed%20them.%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-754cdf)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20came%20here%20in%20their%20thousands%20under%20the%20rules%20we%20had%20already%20set.%20They%20are%20nurses%2C%20engineers%20and%20carers%2C%20etc.%20People%20were%20recruited%20under%20the%20critical%20skills%20permit%20because%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-754cdf)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-754cdf)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20came%20here%20in%20their%20thousands%20under%20the%20rules%20we%20had%20already%20set.%20They%20are%20nurses%2C%20engineers%20and%20carers%2C%20etc.%20People%20were%20recruited%20under%20the%20critical%20skills%20permit%20because%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-754cdf)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-754cdf)[Email](mailto:?subject=Aubrey%20McCarthy%3A%20%E2%80%9CThey%20came%20here%20in%20their%20thousands%20under%20the%20rules%20we%20had%20already%20set.%20They%20are%20nurses%2C%20engineers%20and%20carers%2C%20etc.%20People%20were%20recruited%20under%20the%20critical%20skills%20permit%20because%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThey%20came%20here%20in%20their%20thousands%20under%20the%20rules%20we%20had%20already%20set.%20They%20are%20nurses%2C%20engineers%20and%20carers%2C%20etc.%20People%20were%20recruited%20under%20the%20critical%20skills%20permit%20because%20we%20needed%20them.%E2%80%9D%20Aubrey%20McCarthy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Faubrey-mccarthy-754cdf) > “How does five years working in our health service count for nothing? We are going to lose these people to other European countries. … We need immigrants. We should welcome those who have made a life here for themselves, contributed to our society and worked in our State services.” **Eoghan Kenny** TD for Cork North-Central · Labour Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/198/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/eoghan-kenny-b28972)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CHow%20does%20five%20years%20working%20in%20our%20health%20service%20count%20for%20nothing%3F%20We%20are%20going%20to%20lose%20these%20people%20to%20other%20European%20countries.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-b28972)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CHow%20does%20five%20years%20working%20in%20our%20health%20service%20count%20for%20nothing%3F%20We%20are%20going%20to%20lose%20these%20people%20to%20other%20European%20countries.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-b28972)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-b28972)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CHow%20does%20five%20years%20working%20in%20our%20health%20service%20count%20for%20nothing%3F%20We%20are%20going%20to%20lose%20these%20people%20to%20other%20European%20countries.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-b28972)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-b28972)[Email](mailto:?subject=Eoghan%20Kenny%3A%20%E2%80%9CHow%20does%20five%20years%20working%20in%20our%20health%20service%20count%20for%20nothing%3F%20We%20are%20going%20to%20lose%20these%20people%20to%20other%20European%20countries.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CHow%20does%20five%20years%20working%20in%20our%20health%20service%20count%20for%20nothing%3F%20We%20are%20going%20to%20lose%20these%20people%20to%20other%20European%20countries.%E2%80%9D%20Eoghan%20Kenny%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Feoghan-kenny-b28972) > “If they were to up sticks and leave, our health service could potentially collapse. Citizenship should not depend on income, because the income threshold will disproportionately affect people in lower paid but valuable employment – such as care workers; people whose jobs we could not fill if they did not do them – and also people with disabilities.” **Conor Sheehan** TD for Limerick City · Labour Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/197/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/conor-sheehan-102963)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CIf%20they%20were%20to%20up%20sticks%20and%20leave%2C%20our%20health%20service%20could%20potentially%20collapse.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-102963)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CIf%20they%20were%20to%20up%20sticks%20and%20leave%2C%20our%20health%20service%20could%20potentially%20collapse.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-102963)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-102963)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CIf%20they%20were%20to%20up%20sticks%20and%20leave%2C%20our%20health%20service%20could%20potentially%20collapse.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-102963)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-102963)[Email](mailto:?subject=Conor%20Sheehan%3A%20%E2%80%9CIf%20they%20were%20to%20up%20sticks%20and%20leave%2C%20our%20health%20service%20could%20potentially%20collapse.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CIf%20they%20were%20to%20up%20sticks%20and%20leave%2C%20our%20health%20service%20could%20potentially%20collapse.%E2%80%9D%20Conor%20Sheehan%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fconor-sheehan-102963) > “The State proposes an income threshold for citizenship but how can people demonstrate financial independence when the State’s own processing delays prevent them from working? People who applied lawfully and on time should not be financially punished because their application is sitting in a queue.” **Paul Donnelly** TD for Dublin West · Sinn Féin[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/196/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “If people have been living and working in this country for five years and want to settle down here, they should have security and they deserve that, especially non-EU citizens who have to go through visas and difficulties every single time they need to go home if a family member is sick. … This is not needed and all the Government is doing here is making life miserable and creating guest workers in this country rather than people who have a stake in society.” **Ruth Coppinger** TD for Dublin West · People Before Profit-Solidarity[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/206/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “We need highly skilled people. There is a competitive market for highly skilled labour in Europe at the moment. … However, we are making that more difficult and more challenging through these changes. It will create insecurity and they will choose to take their high skills elsewhere.” **Patricia Stephenson** Senator, Labour Panel · Social Democrats[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/80/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/patricia-stephenson-533f4b)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20will%20create%20insecurity%20and%20they%20will%20choose%20to%20take%20their%20high%20skills%20elsewhere.%E2%80%9D%20Patricia%20Stephenson%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpatricia-stephenson-533f4b)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20will%20create%20insecurity%20and%20they%20will%20choose%20to%20take%20their%20high%20skills%20elsewhere.%E2%80%9D%20Patricia%20Stephenson%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpatricia-stephenson-533f4b)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpatricia-stephenson-533f4b)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CIt%20will%20create%20insecurity%20and%20they%20will%20choose%20to%20take%20their%20high%20skills%20elsewhere.%E2%80%9D%20Patricia%20Stephenson%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpatricia-stephenson-533f4b)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpatricia-stephenson-533f4b)[Email](mailto:?subject=Patricia%20Stephenson%3A%20%E2%80%9CIt%20will%20create%20insecurity%20and%20they%20will%20choose%20to%20take%20their%20high%20skills%20elsewhere.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CIt%20will%20create%20insecurity%20and%20they%20will%20choose%20to%20take%20their%20high%20skills%20elsewhere.%E2%80%9D%20Patricia%20Stephenson%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fpatricia-stephenson-533f4b) > “Citizenship is not merely a legal status; it is a statement of belonging. It is how people who have built their lives here, work here, raise their families here and contribute to our society become full and equal members of that society.” **Roderic O'Gorman** TD for Dublin West · Green Party[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/204/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/roderic-ogorman-cf8554)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CCitizenship%20is%20not%20merely%20a%20legal%20status%3B%20it%20is%20a%20statement%20of%20belonging.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-cf8554)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CCitizenship%20is%20not%20merely%20a%20legal%20status%3B%20it%20is%20a%20statement%20of%20belonging.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-cf8554)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-cf8554)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CCitizenship%20is%20not%20merely%20a%20legal%20status%3B%20it%20is%20a%20statement%20of%20belonging.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-cf8554)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-cf8554)[Email](mailto:?subject=Roderic%20O'Gorman%3A%20%E2%80%9CCitizenship%20is%20not%20merely%20a%20legal%20status%3B%20it%20is%20a%20statement%20of%20belonging.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CCitizenship%20is%20not%20merely%20a%20legal%20status%3B%20it%20is%20a%20statement%20of%20belonging.%E2%80%9D%20Roderic%20O'Gorman%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Froderic-ogorman-cf8554) > “As Deputy Rice said, since the new announcement has been made, a lot of people have come to my clinics to plead that they are here. They want to make a life here. They want to be citizens of this amazing country.” **Jen Cummins** TD for Dublin South-Central · Social Democrats[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/191/)[Against the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/jen-cummins-fe3de2)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CAs%20Deputy%20Rice%20said%2C%20since%20the%20new%20announcement%20has%20been%20made%2C%20a%20lot%20of%20people%20have%20come%20to%20my%20clinics%20to%20plead%20that%20they%20are%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20make%20a%20life%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20be%20citizens%20of%20this%20amazing%20country.%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-fe3de2)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CAs%20Deputy%20Rice%20said%2C%20since%20the%20new%20announcement%20has%20been%20made%2C%20a%20lot%20of%20people%20have%20come%20to%20my%20clinics%20to%20plead%20that%20they%20are%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20make%20a%20life%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20be%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-fe3de2)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-fe3de2)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CAs%20Deputy%20Rice%20said%2C%20since%20the%20new%20announcement%20has%20been%20made%2C%20a%20lot%20of%20people%20have%20come%20to%20my%20clinics%20to%20plead%20that%20they%20are%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20make%20a%20life%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20be%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-fe3de2)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-fe3de2)[Email](mailto:?subject=Jen%20Cummins%3A%20%E2%80%9CAs%20Deputy%20Rice%20said%2C%20since%20the%20new%20announcement%20has%20been%20made%2C%20a%20lot%20of%20people%20have%20come%20to%20my%20clinics%20to%20plead%20that%20they%20are%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20make%20a%20life%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20be%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CAs%20Deputy%20Rice%20said%2C%20since%20the%20new%20announcement%20has%20been%20made%2C%20a%20lot%20of%20people%20have%20come%20to%20my%20clinics%20to%20plead%20that%20they%20are%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20make%20a%20life%20here.%20They%20want%20to%20be%20citizens%20of%20this%20amazing%20country.%E2%80%9D%20Jen%20Cummins%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fjen-cummins-fe3de2) > “We recognise that migrants make an enormous contribution to Ireland, including in our public services, economy and communities. Any reforms must recognise and respect that contribution.” **Pauline Tully** Senator, Cultural and Educational Panel · Sinn Féin[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/79/)[No position on the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “For someone who has moved to Ireland, built a life here, worked here, raised a family and become part of the local community, naturalisation can be an incredibly significant moment.” **Robbie Gallagher** Senator, Labour Panel · Fianna Fáil[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/78/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page 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> “Our birth rate is falling. Our elderly demographic is growing larger. There will be one million people over 65 by 2030 and 1.6 million by 2045. We need migration to keep this country and this economy stable.” **Martin Daly** TD for Roscommon-Galway · Fianna Fáil[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/209/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/martin-daly-15459b)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20migration%20to%20keep%20this%20country%20and%20this%20economy%20stable.%E2%80%9D%20Martin%20Daly%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmartin-daly-15459b)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20migration%20to%20keep%20this%20country%20and%20this%20economy%20stable.%E2%80%9D%20Martin%20Daly%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmartin-daly-15459b)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmartin-daly-15459b)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20migration%20to%20keep%20this%20country%20and%20this%20economy%20stable.%E2%80%9D%20Martin%20Daly%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmartin-daly-15459b)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmartin-daly-15459b)[Email](mailto:?subject=Martin%20Daly%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20migration%20to%20keep%20this%20country%20and%20this%20economy%20stable.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CWe%20need%20migration%20to%20keep%20this%20country%20and%20this%20economy%20stable.%E2%80%9D%20Martin%20Daly%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fmartin-daly-15459b) ## In the Minister’s own words Colm Brophy, Minister of State for migration, presenting the eight years to both Houses. > “There can be no doubt that migration has strengthened Ireland and enriched our society in countless ways.” **Colm Brophy** TD for Dublin South-West · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/187/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/colm-brophy-da7a49)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThere%20can%20be%20no%20doubt%20that%20migration%20has%20strengthened%20Ireland%20and%20enriched%20our%20society%20in%20countless%20ways.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-da7a49)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThere%20can%20be%20no%20doubt%20that%20migration%20has%20strengthened%20Ireland%20and%20enriched%20our%20society%20in%20countless%20ways.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-da7a49)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-da7a49)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThere%20can%20be%20no%20doubt%20that%20migration%20has%20strengthened%20Ireland%20and%20enriched%20our%20society%20in%20countless%20ways.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-da7a49)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-da7a49)[Email](mailto:?subject=Colm%20Brophy%3A%20%E2%80%9CThere%20can%20be%20no%20doubt%20that%20migration%20has%20strengthened%20Ireland%20and%20enriched%20our%20society%20in%20countless%20ways.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThere%20can%20be%20no%20doubt%20that%20migration%20has%20strengthened%20Ireland%20and%20enriched%20our%20society%20in%20countless%20ways.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-da7a49) > “People from every corner of the world have chosen to live, work, study and raise families here. They have contributed enormously to our economy, our public services, our communities and our culture, and they will continue to do so in the years ahead.” **Colm Brophy** TD for Dublin South-West · Fine Gael[Seanad, 24 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/speech/74/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/colm-brophy-67691b)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20contributed%20enormously%20to%20our%20economy%2C%20our%20public%20services%2C%20our%20communities%20and%20our%20culture%2C%20and%20they%20will%20continue%20to%20do%20so%20in%20the%20years%20ahead.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-67691b)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20contributed%20enormously%20to%20our%20economy%2C%20our%20public%20services%2C%20our%20communities%20and%20our%20culture%2C%20and%20they%20will%20continue%20to%20do%20so%20in%20the%20years%20ahead.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-67691b)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-67691b)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20contributed%20enormously%20to%20our%20economy%2C%20our%20public%20services%2C%20our%20communities%20and%20our%20culture%2C%20and%20they%20will%20continue%20to%20do%20so%20in%20the%20years%20ahead.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-67691b)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-67691b)[Email](mailto:?subject=Colm%20Brophy%3A%20%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20contributed%20enormously%20to%20our%20economy%2C%20our%20public%20services%2C%20our%20communities%20and%20our%20culture%2C%20and%20they%20will%20continue%20to%20do%20so%20in%20the%20years%20ahead.%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CThey%20have%20contributed%20enormously%20to%20our%20economy%2C%20our%20public%20services%2C%20our%20communities%20and%20our%20culture%2C%20and%20they%20will%20continue%20to%20do%20so%20in%20the%20years%20ahead.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20Seanad%20on%2024%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-67691b) > “A rules-based system benefits everyone. It provides clarity and certainty for applicants, supports confidence among employers and communities and enables the State to manage migration in an orderly, fair and sustainable way.” **Colm Brophy** TD for Dublin South-West · Fine Gael[Dáil, 30 Sep ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/speech/187/)[For the eight years](https://keepitfive.ie/tds)Share[Its own page →](https://keepitfive.ie/quotes/colm-brophy-52ebb0)[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=%E2%80%9CA%20rules-based%20system%20benefits%20everyone.%20It%20provides%20clarity%20and%20certainty%20for%20applicants%2C%20supports%20confidence%20among%20employers%20and%20communities%20and%20enables%20the%20State%20to%20manage%20migration%20in%20an%20orderly%2C%20fair%20and%20sustainable%20way.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-52ebb0)[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CA%20rules-based%20system%20benefits%20everyone.%20It%20provides%20clarity%20and%20certainty%20for%20applicants%2C%20supports%20confidence%20among%20employers%20and%20communities%20and%20enables%20the%20State%20to%20manage%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-52ebb0)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-52ebb0)[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=%E2%80%9CA%20rules-based%20system%20benefits%20everyone.%20It%20provides%20clarity%20and%20certainty%20for%20applicants%2C%20supports%20confidence%20among%20employers%20and%20communities%20and%20enables%20the%20State%20to%20manage%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%20https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-52ebb0)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-52ebb0)[Email](mailto:?subject=Colm%20Brophy%3A%20%E2%80%9CA%20rules-based%20system%20benefits%20everyone.%20It%20provides%20clarity%20and%20certainty%20for%20applicants%2C%20supports%20confidence%20among%20employers%20and%20communities%20and%20enables%20the%20State%20to%20manage%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D&body=%E2%80%9CA%20rules-based%20system%20benefits%20everyone.%20It%20provides%20clarity%20and%20certainty%20for%20applicants%2C%20supports%20confidence%20among%20employers%20and%20communities%20and%20enables%20the%20State%20to%20manage%20migration%20in%20an%20orderly%2C%20fair%20and%20sustainable%20way.%E2%80%9D%20Colm%20Brophy%2C%20in%20the%20D%C3%A1il%20on%2030%20September%202026.%20%23keepitfive%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkeepitfive.ie%2Fquotes%2Fcolm-brophy-52ebb0) ## The record — Read the debates in full. Both are the Oireachtas’s Official Report, still marked unrevised: the Houses may correct a word before it is final. A quote cut short shows where with an ellipsis. Where each speaker stands is from [the board](https://keepitfive.ie/tds), which counts what they have committed to. - [Seanad, 24 September 2026: Naturalisation and Citizenship: Statements ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/10/) - [Dáil, 30 September 2026: Migration and Citizenship: Statements ↗](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-09-30/12/) [Write to your TDs →](https://keepitfive.ie/act#letter) [Where every TD stands →](https://keepitfive.ie/tds) ## When the Dáil sits — 21 sitting days left before Christmas The Government wants the Bill through both Houses by Christmas ([where it is now](https://keepitfive.ie/bill#status)). Every stage in the Dáil needs a day the Dáil sits, and its provisional calendar has 21 of them left this year. A day it does not sit, for a strike or anything else, is one fewer. **21** sitting days left in 2026 **88** to the summer recess, the last on Thu 22 Jul **16** days sat since September, by the Official Report **1** day it was due to sit and did not Next sitting: **Tuesday 3 November** · The Oireachtas says: “Dáil Éireann resumes on Tuesday, 3 November 2026” Due to sit and did not: Wed 14 Oct. No Official Report of the Dáil for that day. ## On the schedule — This week and next From the [Oireachtas schedule](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/detailed-schedule/), read every hour. The Dáil’s business is set a week or so ahead, and times move at short notice. Last read 27 October, 12:05am. ### Dáil Éireann #### Monday 2 November No sitting. #### Tuesday 3 November - 1pm **Topical Issues** - 2pm **Leaders' Questions (Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Labour Party, Independent and Parties Technical Group)** - 2:34pm **Order of Business and Questions on Policy or Legislation** - 3:04pm **Taoiseach's Questions** - 3:49pm **Government Business: Statements on Our Rural Future 2026-2031** - 6:14pm **Private Members' Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re** - 8:14pm **Parliamentary Questions: Oral — Minister for Defence** - 9:50pm **Dáil adjourns** #### Wednesday 4 November - 9am **Topical Issues** - 10am **Private Members' Business (Independent Technical Group): Motion re** - 12pm **Leaders' Questions (Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Labour Party, Independent Technical Group)** - 12:34pm **Other Members’ Questions** - 12:42pm **Questions on Policy or Legislation** - 1:12pm **Government Business: Statements Post European Council of 15 – 16 October, pursuant to Standing Order 133** - 3:11pm **SOS** - 4:11pm **Government Business: Short-Term Letting and Tourism Letting Bill 2026 — Second Stage** - 7:45pm **Government Business: Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 — Report and Final Stages** - 8:45pm **Government Business: Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation Bill 2026 — Report and Final Stages** - 9:45pm **Deferred Divisions:** - 10:15pm **Dáil adjourns** #### Thursday 5 November - 8:47am **Parliamentary Questions: Oral — Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment** - 10:23am **Parliamentary Questions: Oral — Minister for Children, Disability and Equality** - 12pm **Leaders' Questions (Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Labour Party, Independent and Parties Technical Group)** - 12:34pm **Other Members’ Questions** - 12:42pm **Questions on Policy or Legislation** - 1:12pm **Topical Issues** - 2:12pm **SOS** - 2:52pm **Parliamentary Questions: Oral — Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science** - 4:28pm **Private Members' Bill or Committee Report (alternating weekly): Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 — Second Stage** - 6:28pm **Dáil adjourns** ### The Justice Committee The [Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/34/justice-home-affairs-and-migration/) is where the General Scheme goes for pre-legislative scrutiny; its Dáil members, as the Select Committee, take a Bill’s Committee Stage. Its members are on [Write to your TDs](https://keepitfive.ie/act#committee). #### Thursday 29 October, 10:30am Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration · MS Teams Virtual Meeting - **Agenda to follow** ## The year, day by day — Every sitting day to the summer The Dáil’s [provisional calendar](https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/parliamentaryBusiness/other/2026-07-10_provisional-calendar-of-dail-sittings_en.pdf) of 10 July, and since then the days it actually sat, by its Official Report. A day counts as sat when the Dáil has an [Official Report](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/) of its debates for it, and its panel links to it. Written answers published in a recess do not count. A day due is called not sat once its record is three days late. ## The protests — Six days on the street Scroll or drag. The six that happened open their photos, or the poster. - **At the gates of Leinster House, at 1** — Next up · Tue 3 Nov · 1pm · in 7 days. An hour outside Leinster House, 1 to 2, called by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland with the Irish Refugee Council, the Immigrant Council, Nasc, Doras, AkiDwA and the ICCL. We stand with them. Bring a sign, and bring whoever will come with you. - **The Spire to Leinster House, again** — Done · Sun 18 Oct · 9 days ago. Gathered at the Spire at 1, read the statement there, and walked together over O’Connell Bridge and past Trinity to the gates of Leinster House. - **At the gates, while the Dáil sat** — Done · Wed 30 Sept · 27 days ago. Half an hour at the gates of Leinster House while the Dáil sat. We talked with TDs and Senators on their way in, and that afternoon 35 TDs spoke in the Dáil’s statements on citizenship. - **At the Spire, in the rain** — Done · Sun 27 Sept · 30 days ago. A standing protest at the Spire on O’Connell Street from 1, through the rain: the banner, Phibsboro For All, and a lot of handmade signs. - **Back to the gates, while the Seanad sits** — Done · Thu 24 Sept · 33 days ago. Back at the gates on Kildare Street from 1, while the Seanad took up the citizenship rules inside. - **The Spire to Leinster House** — Done · Sun 20 Sept · 37 days ago. Met at the Spire at 12.45, walked at 1 over O’Connell Bridge and past Trinity, held the gates until 2. - **At the gates of Leinster House** — Done · Wed 16 Sept · 41 days ago. The first gathering on Kildare Street. Signs at the barriers, and a statement read out at the gates. Two posters to print or pass on, made by supporters for noticeboards, shop windows and WhatsApp groups. Open one, then save it or print it. - **Protect the 5-year citizenship pathway** — Poster. Why the eight-year figure does not stand up, in three lines, and the two things anyone can do about it. - **Do you know** — Poster. The bill in a paragraph, what it changes for people already here, and a QR code straight to the petition. ## Latest — What has been said since the Scheme landed Coverage and statements on the eight-year rule, newest first. The most recent are here; the rest open below. Pick a kind, or a side: a piece is marked for or against the eight years when it argues one, in its own voice or through the people it is about. - [15 Oct **Submission to the Joint Committee on Justice on the General Scheme** *The Bar of Ireland* Statement Against 8 years · The barristers’ representative body queries the proportionality of a 60% jump from five years to eight, notes more than half of EU states ask five, and proposes a transitional period for everyone who has already built up residence here.](https://www.lawlibrary.ie/app/uploads/securepdfs/2026/10/TBOI-Submission-Nationality-Citizenship-Amendment-Bill.pdf) - [13 Oct **Numbers applying for Irish citizenship soars by 236% ahead of ‘massively unfair’ rules change** *Irish Examiner* News · 8,765 applications in September against 2,611 in August, from a parliamentary question by Roderic O’Gorman, who calls the change “massively unfair”. Government sources still say it will be enacted before the end of the year.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41923276.html) - [7 Oct **Government “making life miserable for immigrants” with new rules, Dáil hears** *Dublin People* News · Dublin’s TDs in the Dáil debate on the change: Paul McAuliffe calls it common sense, Barry Ward says 13 of the 27 EU countries ask five years or fewer, Ruth Coppinger calls it performative cruelty.](https://dublinpeople.com/news/northsidewest/articles/2026/10/07/dail-immigration-west/) - [5 Oct **Government considering ‘more generous scheme’ for people close to qualifying for citizenship** *Irish Examiner* News · Jim O’Callaghan says a more generous scheme for people already here is “something that we’re considering” as the Bill goes through the Oireachtas, but rejects that anyone would miss out: “if they’re committed to Ireland, they’ll be here for eight years.”](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41919961.html) - [3 Oct **Irish citizenship reforms should address discrepancy affecting PhD students** *The Irish Times* Letter Against 8 years · Jovan Jeromela, Dublin 1: four years of a doctorate count as reckonable residence only on a Marie Curie grant or for EU citizens, so eight years means a 12-year path for PhD graduates. He backs a transition too.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/03/irish-citizenship-reforms-should-address-discrepancy-affecting-phd-students/) - [2 Oct **‘My Belarusian passport expires before 8 years is up. If I go back, I know which building I would end up in’** *The Journal* Story Against 8 years · Sasha Romanova, a Belarusian journalist in Galway. Her family’s passports expire in 2030 and can be renewed only in Minsk; eight years moves their first application to 2031. Ivan Budylin and Caitríona Mosk tell her what three more years would mean.](https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-citizenship-8-year-rule-7180998-Oct2026/) - [2 Oct **Taoiseach criticised for misrepresenting how citizenship rules work** *The Journal* News Against 8 years · Jane Matthews. Teresa Buczkowska of the Immigrant Council is “appalled” that the Taoiseach tied the reform to asylum seekers, whose time waiting does not count. She wants the plan dropped, or a permanent residency visa if it goes ahead.](https://www.thejournal.ie/citizenship-reforms-immigrants-council-7179560-Oct2026/) - [2 Oct **Irish leader’s response to claim Ireland is ‘overrun’ by immigrants in explosive Fox interview** *Irish Star* News · Falyn Stempler, after Micheál Martin’s interview with Fox News Digital. “Ireland is not overrun in any shape or form,” he says, and sets out a migration strategy that includes eight years’ residence and language and self-sufficiency requirements.](https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/irish-leaders-response-claim-ireland-37728982) See all the coverage, back to the first interview - [1 Oct **Here’s what you missed from the Dáil debate on Irish citizenship** *Gript* News · Ben Scallan, from this week’s Dáil statements on migration and citizenship. Martin Kenny says the debate “is being poisoned by fascism”, and that “all kinds of lies and nonsense” are being spread the length and breadth of the country.](https://gript.ie/heres-what-you-missed-from-the-dail-debate-on-irish-citizenship/) - [1 Oct **Letters to the editor on... Assessment of Need, citizenship rules and our new subscription service** *The Journal* Letter Against 8 years · Reno Chen, Dublin, here since January 2023 on a Stamp 4 from the Immigrant Investor Programme: when that programme closed, cases already in it went on. Eight years for future arrivals need not mean changing the rules halfway through.](https://www.thejournal.ie/letters-to-the-editor-8-7179457-Oct2026/) - [1 Oct **Rules on citizenship are not fair when you look at ease of access for British** *Irish Independent* Letter Against 8 years · Eileen Keane, Derbyshire: people who work and pay taxes here would wait eight years, while someone in the UK who knows nothing about Ireland and has never visited, but has an Irish grandparent, gets citizenship within one year.](https://www.independent.ie/comment/letters/letters-people-wouldnt-need-to-strike-if-they-could-afford-to-live-in-this-country/a/162390447.html) - [30 Sep **Government accused of ‘moving the goalposts’ on citizenship residency rules** *Irish Examiner* News · Louise Burne, from the Dáil. TDs from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, Labour and the Social Democrats call for a transition for people close to five years. Eoghan Kenny: “You cannot out far right the far right.” Colm Brophy does not address it.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41917990.html) - [30 Sep **Political parties eye compromise on citizenship reforms amid claims of ‘lies’ being spread** *The Irish Times* News · Marie O’Halloran, from the Dáil debate. Most parties want the rules reviewed so they spare people who have already applied. Sinn Féin’s Martin Kenny says the debate “is being poisoned by fascism”; Carol Nolan says the changes do not go far enough.](https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2026/09/30/political-parties-eye-compromise-on-citizenship-reforms-amid-claims-of-lies-being-spread/) - [30 Sep **‘New Irish citizenship rules shouldn’t apply to people who are already here several years’ - Dublin-based Egyptian surgeon** *Irish Independent* Story Against 8 years · Keith Kelly. An Egyptian surgeon in Dublin, four years here, asks the Government to reverse the plan: under eight years he would wait four more years to become a citizen instead of one.](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/new-irish-citizenship-rules-shouldnt-apply-to-people-who-are-already-here-several-years-dublin-based-egyptian-surgeon/a/162309828.html) - [29 Sep **IAID letter cautions against proposed citizenship change** *Medical Independent* News · David Lynch. Several hundred people have signed the Irish Association of International Doctors’ letter against eight years. The Department of Health says the reforms do not affect doctors’ access to work through the employment permit system.](https://www.medicalindependent.ie/in-the-news/iaid-letter-cautions-against-proposed-citizenship-change/) - [29 Sep **Ireland can’t move forward unless its young people stay and it embraces migration** *The Journal* Opinion Against 8 years · Kelly Earley. With nursing homes at 95% capacity, Metrolink needing 8,000 workers and 68% of 18 to 24-year-olds thinking of leaving, an ageing country cannot afford a harsh stance, and tighter citizenship rules make life harder for people already contributing.](https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/irish-immigration-7172318-Sep2026/) - [29 Sep **Eight years should be bare minimum for the Irish passport** *Gript* Opinion For 8 years · Fatima Gunning. Eight years is a requirement most of Europe would consider unremarkable, she argues, and the media has answered it with what amount to sob stories about foreigners who want Irish passports.](https://gript.ie/eight-years-should-be-bare-minimum-for-the-irish-passport/) - [29 Sep **Proposed Changes to Naturalisation by Residency in Ireland: What Does it Mean for Employers and Global Mobility Programmes?** *Fragomen* Explainer · Jo Crawford, an immigration manager at the law firm. Why employers might back staff on the way to citizenship, from retention to the 50:50 permit rule, and early applications for anyone who qualifies under five years before the law changes.](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/proposed-changes-to-naturalisation-by-residency-in-ireland-what-does-it-mean-for-employers-and-global-mobility-programs.html) - [28 Sep **How Americans can become Irish citizens as Ireland considers tougher immigration rules** *Irish Star* Explainer · Maria Villarroel, for American readers. Some 9,600 US citizens moved to Ireland in the year to April 2025, nearly double the year before; citizenship through an Irish-born parent or grandparent still works, and naturalisation would go from five years to eight.](https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/how-americans-can-become-irish-37712319) - [28 Sep **‘Ireland is my home’: New citizenship rules could leave Julia waiting 22 years to become Irish** *Irish Examiner* Story Against 8 years · Louise Burne. Julia came from Brazil in 2008 and could have applied in January 2027; under eight years it is 2030. She asks for protection for people “very close to that finish line”.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41916718.html) - [27 Sep **Meet Ireland’s newest citizens: ‘We have kind of escaped the dumpster fire’** *The Irish Times* Story · Genevieve Carbery. Rachel and Jay Roszman, here since 2018, were among the 5,600 new citizens of mid-September, at ceremonies the eight-year plan slightly overshadowed.](https://www.irishtimes.com/abroad/2026/09/27/becoming-an-irish-citizen-we-have-kind-of-escaped-the-dumpster-fire/) - [27 Sep **OPINION with Eddie Punch: It’s time to talk about citizenship?** *The Clare Champion* Opinion For 8 years · Eddie Punch for eight years and the tests: five years is too soon to vote in referendums, he argues, citing about 236,000 naturalisations since 2011.](https://clarechampion.ie/opinion-with-eddie-punch-its-time-to-talk-about-citizenship/) - [26 Sep **The Irish citizenship rules have been passed by Cabinet, but what do they mean?** *TheCity* News Against 8 years · Emily Crawford asks two South Kildare TDs. Labour’s Mark Wall: performative politics that could cost workers in critical areas. Sinn Féin’s Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh: Irish should not become a barrier to belonging.](https://thecity.ie/2026/09/26/irish-citizenship-rules-passed-by-cabinet/) - [25 Sep **Openness built Ireland’s economy — perceived hostility to migrants will undermine it** *Irish Examiner* Opinion Against 8 years · Kara McGann, Ibec’s head of skills: international workers are about a fifth of the workforce, and eight years puts Ireland “at a distinct disadvantage” while France, Germany and the Netherlands keep five.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41914318.html) - [25 Sep **Citizenship Rules on the Road to Emmaus** *Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice* Opinion Against 8 years · Sophie Manaeva was at the lunchtime protest near Leinster House on 24 September, where people chanted “Keep it five” and Hazel Chu spoke. Waiting, she argues, is not integration.](https://www.jcfj.ie/2026/09/25/citizenship-rules-on-the-road-to-emmaus/) - [25 Sep **Mudanças na cidadania irlandesa: primeiro-ministro sinaliza que regra poderá ser mantida para quem já vive no país** *E-Dublin* News · For Brazilians in Ireland, in Portuguese: the Taoiseach’s hint that people already here may keep five years, set against the Minister’s own example of four years and ten months, with no transition confirmed.](https://www.edublin.com.br/mudancas-cidadania-irlandesa/) - [24 Sep **A Irlanda apoia a causa palestina, mas reforça a perseguição a imigrantes** *CartaCapital* Opinion Against 8 years · Murillo Ferreira Pinto, in Portuguese. Ireland stays out of Eurovision over Gaza, yet the Minister’s plan for longer residence and language and civics tests seems to echo a small, noisy far right, a poor message while Ireland holds the EU presidency.](https://www.cartacapital.com.br/mundo/empatia-seletiva/) - [24 Sep **Taoiseach hints there may be leniency for citizenship applications in system ahead of rule change** *Irish Examiner* News · Louise Burne, in New York. Micheál Martin says work-permit holders “have played by the rules” and that the Minister will come back with proposals for people already here.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41915419.html) - [24 Sep **Taoiseach signals five-year citizenship rule may be retained for workers already in Ireland** *The Journal* News · Jane Matthews, in New York. Micheál Martin says work-permit holders “played by the rules”. The piece corrects his claim about asylum seekers: time spent seeking asylum does not count towards citizenship.](https://www.thejournal.ie/taoiseach-citizenship-rules-7172546-Sep2026/) - [24 Sep **Naturalisation and Citizenship: Statements** *Oireachtas · Seanad* Official · Colm Brophy says 14 EU states ask for eight years or more. Patricia Stephenson asks what emergency this answers; Aubrey McCarthy speaks for the critical-skills workers protesting at the gate. Each Senator got two minutes.](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2026-09-24/10/) - [24 Sep **Exempt migrants with Irish citizen in family from proposed residency rule, says McDowell** *Irish Examiner* News · Tadgh McNally from the Seanad: Michael McDowell asks that migrants raising families with Irish citizens be exempt; Colm Brophy answers that citizenship is something people “must value”.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41915512.html) - [24 Sep **Letters to the editor on... new citizenship rules, sinning against ecology and Dublin after dark** *The Journal* Letter Against 8 years · Dr Ayman Ghoneim, a transplant surgeon on a Critical Skills permit, four years in come October, asks for a transition: four kilometres into a 5km race, “the finish line has moved another three kilometres away.”](https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-citizenship-residency-rules-7172403-Sep2026/) - [24 Sep **Citizenship Applications** *Oireachtas · Dáil question* Official For 8 years · Robert Troy asks whether residence already built up keeps the old rules; Eamon Scanlon asks to keep three years for spouses married before 2025. The answer: every reform needs a start date, and some people fall either side of it.](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-09-24/375/) - [23 Sep **Ireland to make major citizenship change that will be ‘difficult’ for some people** *Irish Star* Story · Charlie Jones, on the Dublin ceremonies. Ana Kalyne, seven years here, does not agree with all the changes; Tariq Khlail from Egypt thinks they are moving too quickly and that “it needs more discussion”.](https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/ireland-citizenship-rule-change-37691757) - [23 Sep **Irish Citizenship Reform: General Scheme of the 2026 Amendment Bill** *KOD Lyons* Explainer · Stephen Kirwan, a partner at the law firm, on the conditions beyond the eight years: a minimum income the Minister sets, no tax or welfare debts or unpaid fines, and all of it still met while the application waits.](https://kodlyons.ie/irish-nationality-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026/) - [23 Sep **Ireland’s Citizenship Bill 2026: what changes and when** *Deliberately Éire* Explainer · The whole Scheme explained in plain English, Head by Head, and one woman who lands in January 2026 followed through five different stamps. On a work permit she waits until 2034 instead of 2031. With a PhD, 2038.](https://deliberatelyeire.github.io/article/irish-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026) - [22 Sep **‘I might pack my bags’: How immigrants view Ireland’s new citizenship rules** *The Irish Times* Story Against 8 years · Jack White, the day after the Scheme. A Russian tech worker who would have picked Germany, a data scientist four years in, and Maryam Umer, a year off applying: “I might pack my bags and leave the country.”](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/22/i-might-pack-my-bags-new-citizenship-rules-draw-further-criticism-and-dismay/) - [22 Sep **Residency Permits** *Oireachtas · Dáil question* Official For 8 years · Robert Troy asks for transitional provisions and the evidence for eight years. The answer: the five-year rule holds only until the Bill is enacted, and the aim is integration and public confidence. No evidence is given.](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-09-22/443/) - [22 Sep **Naturalisation Applications** *Oireachtas · Dáil question* Official For 8 years · Seán Ó Fearghaíl passes on concerns sent to him. The answer: applications made after the law starts are judged under the new rules, and no profession, healthcare included, is set apart.](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-09-22/441/) - [22 Sep **From the US to Mayo: ‘They warned of slow internet and tiny roads. It wasn’t a problem for me’** *The Irish Times* Story Against 8 years · Hosanna Boulter. Ryan Friesen, once head distiller in Ballina and now training in law, on reading about the longer wait for citizenship: “a punch in the stomach”.](https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/09/22/from-the-us-to-mayo-they-warned-of-slow-internet-and-tiny-roads-it-wasnt-a-problem-for-me/) - [21 Sep **Exactly how Americans can become Irish citizens as rules tighten** *Irish Star* Explainer · Reanna Smith, for American readers. A record 18,910 US citizens applied through the Foreign Births Register last year; the routes by birth and descent stay as they are, while naturalisation would go from five years to eight.](https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/americans-irish-citizenship-how-rules-37685208) - [21 Sep **General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026** *gov.ie* Official For 8 years · The Department publishes the Scheme: two years’ continuous residence plus six of the previous ten, five years for spouses instead of three, language and civics tests, a minimum income the Minister sets, and no count for time on Temporary Protection.](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/general-scheme-of-the-irish-nationality-and-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026/) - [21 Sep **Government need to stop moving the goalposts on citizenship** *Green Party* Statement Against 8 years · Roderic O’Gorman: the Minister has shown no data on what three more years would fix. Hazel Chu: the State wants migrant workers for the Metro and frontline services, and tells them to wait longer to apply.](https://www.greenparty.ie/news/government-need-stop-moving-goalposts-citizenship-greens) - [20 Sep **Sharp rise in number of people being turned down for Irish citizenship** *Irish Independent* News · Ken Foxe, in an analysis. More citizenship applications are being refused or deemed ineligible by the Department of Justice, and residency can be rejected for various reasons.](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/sharp-rise-in-number-of-people-being-turned-down-for-irish-citizenship/a/161612395.html) - [20 Sep **Eight years for citizenship? Fair enough. Or is it?** *Anglo Celt* Opinion Against 8 years · In the paper’s Through Immigrant Eyes column, a Ukrainian mother works out that her daughter will be 15 before eight years pass, and asks that the years people have already lived here count.](https://www.anglocelt.ie/2026/09/20/eight-years-for-citizenship-fair-enough-or-is-it/) - [20 Sep **Where’s the evidence that eight years’ residency produces better citizens than five?** *Irish Independent* Letter Against 8 years · A reader who agrees citizenship should mean something, and accepts checks on character, means and integration, asks for the evidence that eight years makes better citizens than five.](https://www.independent.ie/comment/letters/letters-wheres-the-evidence-that-eight-years-residency-produces-better-citizens-than-five/a/161556676.html) - [19 Sep **Can Americans still get an Irish passport through a grandparent? New rules explained** *Irish Star* Explainer · Myriam Toua, for American readers. Citizenship through an Irish-born grandparent and the Foreign Births Register is untouched; the eight years apply to naturalisation alone, so someone four and a half years in faces three and a half more.](https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/american-irish-passport-grandparent-rules-37679690) - [19 Sep **Government appearing tough on immigration** *Irish Examiner* Letter Against 8 years · Sarah Clarke, Enniscorthy: the five-year route already means paperwork, fees and character checks, and three more years for people who followed the rules only moves the goalposts.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/yourview/arid-41912524.html) - [18 Sep **How do Ireland’s newest citizens feel about the incoming legislation?** *Newstalk · The Hard Shoulder* News · Sarah Madden asks people who have just become citizens about the new rules, and Colm Brophy says they may take effect before the end of the year.](https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-hard-shoulder/how-do-irelands-newest-citizens-feel-about-the-incoming-legislation) - [17 Sep **More than 5,500 people to become Irish citizens** *RTÉ* News · Eleanor Burnhill. Before the Dublin ceremonies, Colm Brophy says the Bill should be law by the end of the year and that “a genuine vulnerability” would be taken into account. The largest groups are from Pakistan, India and Syria.](https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0917/1591891-irish-citizenship-ceremony/) - [17 Sep **Bills on ending ‘triple lock’, e-scooters and citizenship will come before Dáil this term** *The Irish Times* News · Harry McGee. The citizenship Bill is on the chief whip’s autumn list beside the end of the triple lock and e-scooter licensing, with an early passage through the Dáil sought. It “is also likely to give rise to divided views”.](https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/17/bills-on-ending-triple-lock-e-scooters-and-citizenship-will-come-before-dail-this-term/) - [17 Sep **More than 5,600 people receiving Irish citizenship in Dublin ceremonies this week** *IrishCentral* News · Some 5,600 people become citizens at six ceremonies in the Convention Centre Dublin, a little over a week after the Government approved drafting a Bill for longer residence, language testing and a civics exam.](https://www.irishcentral.com/news/irish-citizenship-ceremonies-dublin) - [17 Sep **Eight justice bills on autumn priority list** *Law Society Gazette* News · The Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, on how citizenship is acquired, retained and revoked, is one of eight justice Bills among the 32 the Cabinet approved on 16 September for priority publication this autumn.](https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2026/september/eight-justice-bills-on-autumn-priority-list-laws-on-citizenship-and-cyber-security-included-eight-justice-bills-are-among-32-listed-for-priority-publication-in-the-governments-legislative-programme-for-the-coming-13-week-autumn-parliamentary-session.-a-f) - [17 Sep **PBP v JOC** *The Journal* Letter For 8 years · Dylan Flanagan, Co Waterford: comparing Jim O’Callaghan to Farage and Trump is disingenuous. The rules, though “not entirely made in good faith”, help stop the rise of the far right by bringing Ireland in line with Europe.](https://www.thejournal.ie/letters-trump-michael-oleary-parenting-energy-bills-7164885-Sep2026/) - [17 Sep **‘I fell in love with Ireland’: Joy at citizenship ceremony despite looming new rules** *The Irish Times* Story · James Cox at the Convention Centre, where 5,600 people became citizens under the old rules. Colm Brophy, there to hand them out, calls the changes “not in any way restrictive”.](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/17/i-fell-in-love-with-ireland-joy-at-citizenship-ceremony-despite-looming-new-rules/) - [17 Sep **New Irish citizens elated at ceremonies, but sympathetic for friends facing stricter rules** *The Journal* Story · Kate Henshaw. Ahmed Imbabi, a doctor in Donegal, on the people a year off applying: “they have one year left, and then this comes into effect, I would be devastated.”](https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-citizenship-ceremonies-dublin-7165566-Sep2026/) - [17 Sep **New citizenship rules ‘will be difficult for some people’** *RTÉ* Story · The same week as the ceremonies, the people still waiting. One woman seven years here: “It’s very difficult to be here with no Irish citizenship.”](https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0917/1591951-irish-citizenship/) - [17 Sep **Citizenship change proposals are deeply short-sighted** *The Irish Times* Letter Against 8 years · Gill Kennedy on the nurses, doctors and engineers who spent five years saving for an application, and on a country with falling birth rates making itself harder to settle in.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/17/citizenship-change-proposals-are-deeply-short-sighted/) - [16 Sep **Brasileiros pediram à Irlanda que mudasse as regras de cidadania** *The Portugal News* Story Against 8 years · In Portuguese, after the Irish Examiner: Ivan, 40, came to Dublin from Brazil in July 2022 on a critical skills permit and could apply in July 2027; under eight years, 2030. He does not oppose the tests and asks for a transition.](https://www.theportugalnews.com/br/noticias/2026-09-16/brasileiros-pediram-a-irlanda-que-mudasse-as-regras-de-cidadania/1087193) - [16 Sep **More than 13,000 waiting over a year for citizenship decisions** *Irish Examiner* News · Louise Burne: 51,882 live applications, 5,070 of them waiting over two years, 81 staff to process them. The three extra years land on top of that queue.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41911969.html) - [16 Sep **Citizenship by descent is not racist, and language tests make perfect sense** *The Irish Times* Opinion · Michael McDowell answers O’Toole for the other side: nationality over residence, tests as Europe does them. The eight years themselves he does not defend, or mention.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/09/16/citizenship-by-descent-is-not-racist-and-language-tests-make-perfect-sense/) - [16 Sep **New “hostile” immigration laws criticised by opposition** *Dublin People* News Against 8 years · Labour, the Greens and the ICCL on the eight years: a barrier for people already settled, and a cost to the workers Ireland is trying to keep.](https://dublinpeople.com/news/dublin/articles/2026/09/16/immigration-ff/) - [15 Sep **The government wants to add “integration” conditions. Will it up its own game, too?** *Dublin Inquirer* Explainer · Shamim Malekmian: no national integration strategy, English classes hard to reach, and the people with the least stable housing hit hardest by the new tests.](https://www.dublininquirer.com/the-government-wants-to-add-integration-conditions-to-the-citizenship-process-will-it-up-its-own-game-too/) - [15 Sep **Living in Milwaukee with a Mayo granny automatically makes you Irish. Living here doesn’t** *The Irish Times* Opinion Against 8 years · Fintan O’Toole: the Government believes it is addressing an urgent problem, but is unable to tell us what the problem is.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/09/15/fintan-otoole-living-in-milwaukee-with-a-mayo-granny-automatically-makes-you-irish-living-here-doesnt/) - [15 Sep **Brazilian man begs Government to consider people nearing five-year residency** *Irish Examiner* Story Against 8 years · Ivan arrived in July 2022 and would qualify next July. The Minister, asked about people like him: “if you have been here for four years and 10 months by the time the laws are commenced, it will affect you.”](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41910859.html) - [14 Sep **Ireland proposes 8-Year residency requirement for citizenship** *Nairametrics* News · Deborah Dan-Awoh, for Nigerian readers. Eight years instead of five, language and civics tests and financial self-sufficiency, still at an early stage and not yet law, and a longer road from an employment permit to naturalisation for many foreign workers.](https://nairametrics.com/2026/09/14/ireland-proposes-8-year-residency-requirement-for-citizenship/) - [14 Sep **Paul Hosford: Tougher stance on immigration is not solely about ideology** *Irish Examiner* Opinion · Paul Hosford, with the paper’s Rural Ireland Thinks survey. Just under a quarter think the Government is doing a good job on numbers, and its tougher line answers a perception that checks were lax and citizenship too easily achieved.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41910352.html) - [14 Sep **Citizenship rule change** *Irish Examiner* Letter · Barry Mahon, Sherkin Island: the new rules coincide exactly with the situation of many of the first refugees from Ukraine, who will in effect have three more years to wait before they can apply. “Interesting coincidence?”](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/yourview/arid-41910313.html) - [14 Sep **Is it easier to become a naturalised citizen in Ireland than elsewhere?** *The Irish Times* Explainer · Naomi O’Leary asks two migration academics. Five years is typical and leans liberal; eight would put Ireland among the least hospitable in Europe.](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/14/is-it-easier-to-become-a-naturalised-citizen-in-ireland-than-elsewhere/) - [14 Sep **It’s easy to look tough on immigration. It’s much harder to build empathy** *The Irish Times* Opinion Against 8 years · Una Mullally: in practice another bureaucratic obstacle, and in meaning “arbitrary cruelty-by-admin”.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/09/14/una-mullally-its-easy-to-look-tough-on-immigration-its-much-harder-to-build-empathy/) - [13 Sep **Peadar Tóibín says Government ‘stealing Aontú’s clothes’ on immigration and taxes** *Irish Independent* News · Ali Bracken. At Aontú’s think-in in Derry, Peadar Tóibín accuses the Government of “stealing our clothes” on key issues, the new citizenship laws among them, and celebrates the party’s recent gains in the polls.](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/peadar-toibin-says-government-stealing-aontus-clothes-on-immigration-and-taxes/a/161353610.html) - [13 Sep **Keire Murphy: What we get wrong about citizenship — and why we’re about to make even more mistakes** *Irish Independent* Opinion Against 8 years · Keire Murphy. Who a country allows to become citizens “shapes a nation for generations — socially, politically and economically”, she writes, and Ireland, already getting citizenship wrong, is about to make even more mistakes.](https://www.independent.ie/comment/opinion/keire-murphy-what-we-get-wrong-about-citizenship-and-why-were-about-to-make-even-more-mistakes/a/161255419.html) - [13 Sep **Eoin O’Malley: Stricter citizenship rules are common sense, not ‘performative cruelty’** *Irish Independent* Opinion For 8 years · Eoin O’Malley. Stricter rules are common sense, not “performative cruelty”, he argues; the column opens in 1935, when the Irish government took control of citizenship after years of Free State passports issued in the name of King George V.](https://www.independent.ie/comment/eoin-omalley-stricter-citizenship-rules-are-common-sense-not-performative-cruelty/a/161255380.html) - [12 Sep **Law sends message of appeasement** *Irish Examiner* Letter Against 8 years · Peter Elst, Donabate, months from applying with a Malaysian spouse and an Irish-born toddler: eight years puts Ireland at the restrictive end of the EU and sends “a message of appeasement”. He asks for a 12-month grace period or a phased rise.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/yourview/arid-41909977.html) - [12 Sep **Moving the goalposts on citizenship rules is deeply unfair** *The Irish Times* Letter Against 8 years · A GP in Athenry on the overseas doctors who worked through Covid, and a reader who calls the retrospective reach an invitation to judicial review.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/12/moving-the-goalposts-on-citizenship-rules-is-deeply-unfair/) - [11 Sep **Edel McGinley: The far-right do not need to win an election to influence politics** *Irish Examiner* Opinion Against 8 years · Edel McGinley of Hope and Courage Collective. Five years to eight was a proposal “nobody was demanding”, she writes, one of a run of hard immigration policies that show the Overton window shifting towards the far right.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41909242.html) - [11 Sep **Yes, we must stop handing out Irish citizenships like smarties** *Gript* Opinion For 8 years · Niamh Uí Bhriain. Ireland granted 4.5 citizenships per 1,000 people in 2024 against an EU average of 2.4, she writes, and moving away from handing citizenship out “like smarties” is long overdue.](https://gript.ie/we-cant-keep-handing-out-irish-citizenship-like-smarties/) - [11 Sep **Under new citizenship proposals, my 4.5 years in Ireland are being erased** *The Irish Times* Letter Against 8 years · A reader four and a half years in: the years already served would count for nothing.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/11/under-new-citizenship-proposals-my-45-years-in-ireland-are-being-erased/) - [11 Sep **How do citizenship language tests work in other European countries?** *The Journal* Explainer · David MacRedmond: B1 is the common European bar and plenty of states sit at A2. Ireland has not said which language, which level, or who writes the test.](https://www.thejournal.ie/language-tests-immigrants-citizenship-europe-7159310-Sep2026/) - [10 Sep **Minister ‘lifting policies from various far-right actors’ to reform citizenship rules, TD says** *Irish Examiner* News Against 8 years · Tadgh McNally. People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy calls the plan “performative cruelty” that lifts policies from far-right actors online, and says he has been “inundated” with emails. Solidarity’s Ruth Coppinger calls language tests “lunacy”.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41909257.html) - [10 Sep **Justice minister secures priority drafting of Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026** *Irish Legal News* News For 8 years · Jim O’Callaghan and Colm Brophy win priority drafting. Brophy: citizenship “is a privilege, not a right”. O’Callaghan asks that comparisons with other EU states “consider the entire framework”, residence, language and civic knowledge together.](https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/justice-minister-secures-priority-drafting-of-the-irish-nationality-and-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026) - [10 Sep **Left divided as SocDems oppose tighter naturalisation rules** *Gript* News · Ben Scallan. On Virgin Media’s The Tonight Show, the Social Democrats’ Gary Gannon says he is “really struggling to understand the rationale” for the overhaul and sees a “cruelty element” in it, as the left opposition divides.](https://gript.ie/left-divided-as-socdems-oppose-tighter-naturalisation-rules/) - [10 Sep **Gavan Reilly: Six months by law. 24.3 months in reality. Ireland’s disability numbers don’t add up** *The Journal* Opinion · Gavan Reilly, mostly on Assessment of Need. If citizenship turns on the ability to communicate, what of a child who came with a parent on a work visa and cannot speak, as his own pre-verbal seven-year-old cannot?](https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/politics-by-numbers-3-7157885-Sep2026/) - [10 Sep **Rules bend for those who did not obey them and tighten for those who did** *Irish Examiner* Letter Against 8 years · Guilherme Daniel Gomes, Athlone, nearly four years into the five: eight years for newcomers should be a new deal they know in advance. He asks for a saving clause that keeps people already counting under the five-year rule on it.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/yourview/arid-41908864.html) - [10 Sep **Goalposts have moved for immigrants already on the route to citizenship** *Irish Independent* Letter Against 8 years · A reader: raising the requirement from five years to eight would place an unfair and unnecessary burden on thousands of legal residents who have built their lives around the existing rule.](https://www.independent.ie/comment/letters/letters-goalposts-have-moved-for-immigrants-already-on-the-route-to-citizenship/a/161209060.html) - [10 Sep **Before legislating against an imagined danger, establish that the danger actually exists** *Irish Medical Times* Opinion Against 8 years · No published research, no impact assessment, and no problem named that eight years would fix.](https://www.imt.ie/opinion/comment/before-legislating-against-an-imagined-danger-establish-that-the-danger-actually-exists-10-09-2026/) - [10 Sep **Open letter: retain the five-year citizenship pathway for healthcare professionals** *Irish Medical Times* Statement Against 8 years · A health service built on international doctors and nurses asks the Government to leave their route alone.](https://www.imt.ie/opinion/open-letter-protect-irelands-health-service-retain-the-fiveyear-citizenship-pathway-for-healthcare-professionals-10-09-2026/) - [10 Sep **Citizenship rule change moves goalposts on hard-working people** *Irish Examiner* Opinion Against 8 years · Imasha Costa: like changing the rules of inter-county hurling five minutes into the second half.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41908723.html) - [10 Sep **New citizenship rules risk alienating people Ireland urgently needs to retain** *The Irish Times* Letter Against 8 years · The people the State spends most on recruiting are the ones the rule would push back three years.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/10/new-citizenship-rules-risk-alienating-people-ireland-urgently-needs-to-retain/) - [10 Sep **Jim O’Callaghan can look to the UK to see if making life hard for immigrants helps integration** *The Irish Times* Opinion Against 8 years · Jack Sheehan: decades of British tightening produced more tension, not less — from the same parties that sold residency to wealthy buyers until 2023.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/09/10/jim-ocallaghan-can-look-to-uk-to-see-how-making-life-hard-for-immigrants-aids-integration/) - [10 Sep **Jim O’Callaghan compared to Trump and Nigel Farage over his citizenship rule changes** *The Journal* News Against 8 years · David MacRedmond: People Before Profit and Solidarity on the politics of it. Ruth Coppinger on the eight years: “There’s no need for it, no call for it.”](https://www.thejournal.ie/jim-ocallaghan-far-right-immigration-people-before-profit-7158370-Sep2026/) - [9 Sep **Citizenship rules to tighten as Government approves eight-year residency requirement** *Irish Examiner* News · Paul Hosford. The Cabinet approves priority drafting of the Bill. The Government calls citizenship “an earned privilege” rather than “merely the passage of time”; Jim O’Callaghan says the rules are not a “judgment on the contribution of migrants”.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41908855.html) - [9 Sep **Doctors warn new citizenship rules will make Ireland ‘less viable’ for healthcare workers** *Irish Examiner* News Against 8 years · Niamh Griffin. More than 300 doctors sign the Irish Association of International Doctors’ open letter: eight years on top of today’s delays means “uncertainty for almost a decade”. “This is not merely an immigration matter. It is a healthcare workforce and patient-safety issue.”](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41908780.html) - [9 Sep **Cork’s Shandon priest warns new Irish citizenship rules could split up her family** *Irish Examiner* Story Against 8 years · Amy Campbell. Rev Meghan Farr came from the US in 2022 to lead St Anne’s, Shandon. Under eight years her eldest son turns 23 two years before the family can apply. “If it was eight years we wouldn’t have come here in the first place.”](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41908834.html) - [9 Sep **McDonald: Language competency on citizenship test a ‘reasonable measure’** *Irish Examiner* News · Alex Cunningham. At Sinn Féin’s think-in, Mary Lou McDonald tells Morning Ireland that a language competency requirement is “reasonable” and that the party is “open to reviewing pathways” to citizenship.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41908570.html) - [9 Sep **Mary Lou: Sinn Féin has ‘heard’ public’s concerns about immigration** *Newstalk* News · James Wilson. On Newstalk Breakfast, Mary Lou McDonald says the Minister is “finally coming somewhere towards” what Sinn Féin asked for; on welfare and income levels, she would not want a system that would “discriminate against workers” in lower-paid jobs.](https://www.newstalk.com/news/sinn-fein-3-2308533) - [9 Sep **Novas regras de cidadania enfrentam resistência política e de organizações na Irlanda** *E-Dublin* News · For Brazilians in Ireland, in Portuguese: who stands where. Labour’s Alan Kelly opposes the eight years; Sinn Féin backs a language test but has not said whether it supports eight years; eight groups ask the Government to drop the plans.](https://www.edublin.com.br/resistencia-as-novas-regras-de-cidadania/) - [9 Sep **Irlanda endurece regras para cidadania. Veja o que muda** *InvestNews* News · For Brazilian readers, in Portuguese: the Cabinet approves priority drafting of a Bill raising residence from five years to eight, with language and civics tests and self-sufficiency. The 2022 Census counted 27,338 Brazilian citizens living in Ireland.](https://investnews.com.br/economia/irlanda-endurece-regras-para-cidadania-veja-o-que-muda/) - [9 Sep **Catherine Prasifka: Is Government’s move to tighten citizenship laws just a reaction to anti-immigrant protests?** *Irish Independent* Opinion Against 8 years · Catherine Prasifka. Jim O’Callaghan calls citizenship “a privilege, not a right” and wants to “restrain the growth” in naturalisations; the new rules, she argues, make minimal meaningful change and appear designed for optics.](https://www.independent.ie/comment/opinion/catherine-prasifka-is-governments-move-to-tighten-citizenship-laws-just-a-reaction-to-anti-immigrant-protests/a/161086633.html) - [9 Sep **Majo Rivas: An English language test sounds reasonable — it’s not as simple as it sounds** *Irish Examiner* Opinion · Majo Rivas. English classes run on weekday mornings, one in five Irish adults struggles with reading, and a test applied rigidly would fall hardest on low-paid workers, refugees, carers and disabled people. Learning English should be supported, not made a barrier.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41908255.html) - [9 Sep **Government approval secured for the priority drafting of the Bill** *gov.ie* Official For 8 years · Cabinet clears the Bill for drafting and sends the Scheme to the justice committee. Target: enacted by Christmas.](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/government-approval-secured-for-the-priority-drafting-of-the-irish-nationality-and-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026/) - [9 Sep **‘Disappointed and shocked’: Protesters criticise proposed new rules for Irish citizenship** *The Irish Times* News Against 8 years · The people who came out against the proposals, in their own words.](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/09/disappointed-and-shocked-protesters-criticise-proposed-new-rules-for-irish-citizenship/) - [9 Sep **‘People just want safety’: Migrants feel ‘targeted’ by Irish citizenship reforms** *The Irish Times* Story Against 8 years · Jack White speaks to people who have built their five years and would have to start again.](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/09/people-just-want-safety-migrants-feel-targeted-by-irish-citizenship-reforms/) - [9 Sep **What would a language test for new Irish citizens look like?** *RTÉ Brainstorm* Explainer · What a test in English, Irish or ISL would actually involve, and what other countries set as the bar.](https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2026/0909/1590795-ireland-citizenship-language-test-irish-english/) - [9 Sep **Ireland Plans Eight-Year Residency, Language Tests Under Citizenship Overhaul** *Bloomberg* News · The proposals read from outside Ireland, as a move to curb immigration.](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-09/ireland-to-overhaul-citizenship-rules-in-bid-to-curb-immigration) - [9 Sep **The Irish Times view on new citizenship regulations: tough talk and vague intentions** *The Irish Times · Editorial* Opinion Against 8 years · Warm words at the ceremonies, blunt pledges to cut numbers, and no detail in between: “populist declarations about cutting numbers while avoiding saying how.”](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/09/09/the-irish-times-view-on-new-citizenship-regulations-tough-talk-and-vague-intentions/) - [9 Sep **What problem is Jim O’Callaghan trying to solve with new hurdles to citizenship?** *The Irish Times* Letter Against 8 years · Gerry Prizeman on an economy sustained by workers born elsewhere, and Gerald Flynn on a residence rule that was three years until last year.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/09/new-hurdles-to-citizenship/) - [9 Sep **Sinn Féin ‘open’ to reviewing pathways to citizenship, McDonald says** *The Journal* News · Jane Moore: Mary Lou McDonald has “no objection to having a structured pathway” and would look at language or community requirements, without committing against the eight years.](https://www.thejournal.ie/mary-lou-mcdonald-sinn-fein-citizenship-think-in-7156679-Sep2026/) - [8 Sep **Citizenship rules to tighten by end of this year** *Irish Examiner* News · Louise Burne. Senior sources expect the law by Christmas, with no lead-in for people close to five years. Jim O’Callaghan: at four years and 10 months “it will affect you”. Doras, the ICCL, Nasc and other migrant rights groups ask the Government to scrap the plans.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41907943.html) - [8 Sep **Welfare benefits such as children’s allowance will not bar recipients from Irish citizenship** *The Irish Times* News · Jack Horgan-Jones and Pat Leahy. Two Coalition sources say the welfare bar would hit unemployment benefits and some housing supports, not maternity benefit or children’s allowance. Labour’s Alan Kelly asks what problem eight years “is actually designed to solve”.](https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/08/welfare-benefits-such-as-childrens-allowance-will-not-bar-recipients-from-citizenship/) - [8 Sep **Ireland tightens citizenship rules for Nigerians, others, proposes eight years’ residence, language test, civics exam** *Peoples Gazette* News · Victor Olorunfemi, for Nigerian readers, from the Irish Examiner’s reporting. Eight years’ residence instead of five, language and civics tests, five years’ marriage for spouses, an income the Minister sets, and no welfare or housing supports during the process.](https://gazettengr.com/ireland-tightens-citizenship-rules-for-nigerians-others-proposes-eight-years-residence-language-test-civics-exam/) - [8 Sep **Irish Examiner view: Sensible citizenship rules could unite people rather than divide them** *Irish Examiner · Editorial* Opinion For 8 years · The paper’s editorial: eight years, civics and a language test the Minister says will be relatively simple are the reasonable expectations any country might have of a new citizen, and a common language can bond people, as English has in the US.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/ourview/arid-41907988.html) - [8 Sep **ieExplains: What are the proposed changes to citizenship rules and what effect may they have?** *Irish Examiner* Explainer · Louise Burne. The plan set against today’s rule, five of the last nine years, and the EU’s: 11 states ask five years, seven ask eight, five ask ten. Anyone who has not applied before the law is enacted will need eight.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41908189.html) - [8 Sep **New rules for Irish citizenship: All you need to know as changes on the way** *Irish Mirror* Explainer · Cate McCurry. Eight years instead of five, English and Irish, a civics test, and no count for Temporary Protection, which Micheál Martin says was “never meant to be a pathway to citizenship”. Jim O’Callaghan calls eight years a “reasonable period”.](https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/new-rules-irish-citizenship-you-37636888) - [8 Sep **Jim O’Callaghan’s new citizenship laws: an attack on migrants** *Solidarity* Statement Against 8 years · Reads the Bill as chasing the far right rather than fixing anything in the system.](https://www.solidarity.ie/2026/09/jim-ocallaghans-new-racist-citizenship-laws-a-disgusting-attack-on-migrants/) - [8 Sep **Citizenship changes risk cutting migrants out of Irish life, organisations warn** *Irish Legal News* News Against 8 years · Covers the joint statement and the legal objections to the eight-year rule.](https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/citizenship-changes-risk-cutting-migrants-out-of-irish-life-organisations-warn) - [8 Sep **Language test for Irish citizenship raises questions** *The Irish Times* Letter · Which language, at what level, marked by whom — none of it is answered by the Scheme.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/08/language-test-for-irish-citizenship-raises-questions/) - [7 Sep **Rules for seeking Irish citizenship to be tightened under proposals due to go to Cabinet** *The Irish Times* News · Cormac McQuinn. Eight years instead of five, a language test and self-sufficiency. Jim O’Callaghan in Tullamore: “I want to see more citizens but I’m trying to restrain the level of growth in that number.”](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/07/rules-for-seeking-irish-citizenship-to-be-tightened-under-proposals-due-to-go-to-cabinet/) - [7 Sep **New citizenship rules would require eight years’ residence, language test and civics exam** *Irish Examiner* News · Louise Burne, before Wednesday’s Cabinet. Jim O’Callaghan’s Bill would raise the residence needed from five years to eight and add English or Irish and civics tests, a set annual wage, and no social protection in the two years before applying.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41907436.html) - [7 Sep **Citizenship applicants must pass language test as Government tightens residency rules** *Irish Independent* News · Maeve McTaggart and Cillian Sherlock. The Taoiseach says the new language rules will ensure applicants have “capacity to contribute to society”, as the time someone must live here before applying rises to eight years.](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/citizenship-applicants-must-pass-language-test-as-government-tightens-residency-rules/a/161112486.html) - [7 Sep **Irish citizenship: Martin confirms migrants will wait eight years** *Newstalk* News · James Wilson. Micheál Martin confirms eight years at the Fianna Fáil think-in. On The Claire Byrne Show, Seán Defoe adds a language test and self-sufficiency, and says the Minister’s thinking is to “get ahead of” anti-immigrant sentiment.](https://www.newstalk.com/news/irish-citizenship-2-2307993) - [7 Sep **English language exam and ‘basic Irish’ to be part of new citizenship requirements** *Irish Mirror* News · Ciara O’Loughlin, from the Fianna Fáil think-in in Tullamore. Micheál Martin says residence would go from five to eight years, with English and “some very basic Irish”, bringing Ireland “more in-line” with other EU member states.](https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/politics/irish-citizenship-requirements-english-irish-37635400) - [7 Sep **Aontú leader welcomes new citizenship language rules** *Gript* News · Fatima Gunning. On Morning Ireland, Peadar Tóibín welcomes the language requirement he has campaigned for: “You cannot integrate if you cannot communicate.” Aontú’s Paul Lawless says the onus is on the person seeking citizenship to integrate.](https://gript.ie/aontu-leader-welcomes-new-citizenship-language-rules/) - [7 Sep **SF calls for “civic integration” tests for Irish citizenship** *Gript* News · Ben Scallan. In a statement, Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on justice, home affairs and migration, says naturalisation should be treated with greater “seriousness” and recognise those who have permanently “integrated into Irish society”.](https://gript.ie/sf-calls-for-civic-integration-tests-for-irish-citizenship/) - [7 Sep **Irish citizenship rules face biggest overhaul in a generation** *IrishCentral* News · For the diaspora, the draft Bill: eight years’ reckonable residence, language and civics tests, five years’ marriage for spouses and no count for time under Temporary Protection. Citizenship through a parent or grandparent is untouched.](https://www.irishcentral.com/news/irish-citizenship-rules) - [7 Sep **Language and citizenship** *The Irish Times* Letter · Conor O’Carroll, Donnybrook, a migrant in four European countries for more than 12 years: all of them ask for A2 or B1 language and financial independence, and asking the same here is not anti-migrant.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/07/language-and-citizenship/) - [7 Sep **New rules for Irish citizenship: How will they work?** *The Irish Times* Explainer · Jack Horgan-Jones. Eight years, two of them continuous; Irish or English and a civics test; a bar for long-term unemployment assistance or housing supports but not child benefit. Migrant groups say the changes are aimed at making Ireland “a hostile place”.](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/07/new-rules-for-irish-citizenship-how-will-they-work/) - [7 Sep **Citizenship proposals will destroy a crucial route to integration** *ICCL and six others* Statement Against 8 years · Joint statement: no rationale, no research and no evidence has been presented for any of this.](https://www.iccl.ie/news/citizenship-proposals-destroy-integration/) - [7 Sep **Citizenship rules to be tightened with longer residency and language test** *The Journal* News · The proposals as announced: eight years, a language test and a civics test.](https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-citizenship-residency-changes-7154915-Sep2026/) - [7 Sep **Citizenship a privilege, says minister ahead of overhaul** *RTÉ* News For 8 years · Jim O’Callaghan makes the case before Cabinet: an earned privilege, not the passage of time.](https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0907/1590570-citizenship-changes/) - [7 Sep **Eight-year citizenship rule is performative politics** *The Labour Party* Statement Against 8 years · Alan Kelly TD asks what problem eight years is meant to solve, and wants the plan dropped.](https://labour.ie/news/2026/09/07/kelly-eight-year-citizenship-rule-is-performative-politics-from-minister-ocallaghan/) - [7 Sep **Irish citizenship is something to be valued, rules must reflect that** *Sinn Féin* Statement · Matt Carthy TD, who chairs the committee that will scrutinise the Bill, backs language and civics tests and does not oppose the eight years.](https://sinnfein.ie/news/irish-citizenship-is-something-to-be-valued-rules-must-reflect-that-matt-carthy-td/) - [7 Sep **The Government’s weaponisation of citizenship rules** *People Before Profit* Statement Against 8 years · Says the mainstream right is competing with the far right to inflame anti-immigrant opinion.](https://www.pbp.ie/governments-weaponisation-of-citizenship-rules/) - [5 Sep **Language tests for new citizens** *The Irish Times* Letter · Bernie Cronin, Clondalkin: Ireland is the only EU country with no language test for new citizens, and if the Department’s proposals are in doubt, put them to a referendum, as citizenship was in 2004.](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/05/language-tests-for-new-citizens/) - [24 Aug **‘Harsh’ to make migrants wait eight years for Irish citizenship** *Newstalk* News Against 8 years · John Lannon of Doras: eight years is the time a family’s children would go through primary school.](https://www.newstalk.com/news/irish-citizenship-2291996) ## Who else — You are not the only one saying this. Every organisation, party and piece of coverage we could find against the eight-year rule. The petitions have [a page of their own](https://keepitfive.ie/petitions). If you know of something missing, tell us. - **Irish Council for Civil Liberties** — Joint statement. Published the statement seven organisations signed on 7 September: no rationale, no research and no evidence has been presented for any of this. - **Immigrant Council of Ireland** — Organisation. Free legal advice and an information line on citizenship and permanency. Signed the joint statement. - **Doras** — Organisation. Limerick-based migrant rights NGO, working nationally on integration and immigration policy. Signed the joint statement. - **Irish Refugee Council** — Organisation. Runs the information hub explaining the new asylum and citizenship laws as they land. Signed the joint statement. - **Migrant Rights Centre Ireland** — Organisation. Organises migrant workers and tracks citizenship policy and ceremony dates. Signed the joint statement. - **Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre** — Organisation. Cork-based, legal support and advocacy for migrants and refugees. Signed the joint statement. - **AkiDwA** — Organisation. National network of migrant women living in Ireland. Signed the joint statement. - **People Before Profit** — Party. Calls the changes a weaponisation of citizenship rules, with the mainstream right competing with the far right to inflame anti-immigrant opinion. - **Solidarity** — Party. Reads the bill as an attack on migrants, written to chase the far right rather than to fix anything in the system. - **Irish Citizenship Changes 2026: What’s Actually Proposed** — Explainer. A plain, calm walk through what is in the Scheme and what is not, for people trying to work out whether it catches them. - **Irish Legal News** — Coverage. Following the Bill through drafting and scrutiny, and the lawyers and organisations raising objections to it. ## Supporters — Who is with us The people who came to the campaign, and the organisations against eight years for people already living here, each with its proof beside it. **801** in [the WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DF8dRBolYaE7EqbxBQuLoG) **19,935** signatures on [change.org](https://www.change.org/p/petition-against-increasing-irish-citizenship-from-5-to-8-years) and [uplift.ie](https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/protect-the-5-year-citizenship-pathway-for-people-already-living-in-ireland) **44** added their name [here](https://keepitfive.ie/join) **11** organisations, speaking for 9,150 more Counted 20 October 2026. [Add your organisation](https://keepitfive.ie/support) 7 September 2026 ### Seven organisations, one statement Said together, in public, against the eight years. [Read the joint statement ↗](https://www.iccl.ie/news/citizenship-proposals-destroy-integration/) > “We urge the Government to scrap these plans that are simply aimed at making Ireland a hostile place for migrants who contribute so much to our economy and society.” #### AkiDwA All of Ireland Their statement ↗ akidwa.ie > “The eight year waiting period does not account for the substantial delays that already affect the current system.” #### Doras Limerick Their statement ↗ doras.org > “No rationale, research or evidence has been presented by the Department for these proposed changes, and no issues have been identified within the current system.” #### Immigrant Council of Ireland All of Ireland Their statement ↗ immigrantcouncil.ie > “Citizenship supports integration, belonging and participation.” #### Irish Council for Civil Liberties All of Ireland Their statement ↗ iccl.ie > “Keeping people in an extended and uncertain status does not help integration.” #### Irish Refugee Council All of Ireland Their statement ↗ irishrefugeecouncil.ie > “The proposals will also prolong the political disenfranchisement of people who live, work, pay taxes and raise families here, but cannot vote in general elections or referendums.” #### Migrant Rights Centre Ireland All of Ireland · 7,000 people Their statement ↗ mrci.ie > “Claims that these changes bring us in line with Europe do not ring true when many European countries maintain a five-year residence requirement.” #### Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre Cork Their statement ↗ nascireland.org ### And on record on their own > “As a team working with young people who will be directly impacted by the proposed changes to citizenship, we know the critical importance of belonging and having a sense of security for the future.” #### EPIC – Empowering People in Care NGO or charity · All of Ireland · Since 22 October 2026 Their statement ↗ epiconline.ie > “The proposals reported upon today, of a tightening of citizenship rules, are another performative hostility designed to appeal to and stoke anti-immigrant and racist sentiment.” #### People Before Profit Political party · All of Ireland · Since 7 September 2026 Their statement ↗ pbp.ie > “Adding an additional three years to the time needed to gain citizenship will add extra costs, barriers and stress.” #### Solidarity Political party · All of Ireland · Since 8 September 2026 Their statement ↗ solidarity.ie > “The Bar Council proposes that provision should be made for a transitional period for those who have already accrued residency rights, or residency periods, as well as for those who have applications being considered at present.” #### The Bar of Ireland Union or professional body · All of Ireland · 2,150 people · Since 15 October 2026 Their statement ↗ lawlibrary.ie On record: they said it in their own words, in public, and the link is where. They have not signed up to the campaign. ## Take action Today ### Sign the petition Started on 28 August by Manavi Purohit, a Dublin immigration adviser. 11,897 people have signed, and it is still gaining several hundred a day. Add your name. Two more are open: [every petition](https://keepitfive.ie/petitions). change.org → When it opens ### Make a submission The Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration can invite the public to comment on the Scheme. When it does, tell them. We will post the link here. Public consultations → This week ### Write to your TDs Two letters ready to go: one if this affects you, one if you are an Irish citizen who thinks it is wrong. Fill in, sign, send. [36] Fill in the letter → Find your TDs → Ongoing ### Back the organisations Doras, Immigrant Council, ICCL, Irish Refugee Council, MRCI, Nasc, AkiDwA. They are doing the heavy lifting. Who else is on this ↓ When they reply ### Send us what your TD said A reply tells us who is listening, who is sending the party line, and who is worth a second letter. With weeks to go before scrutiny, that is the difference between writing to fourteen people and writing to the right ones. Forward the TD’s reply only, and delete your own letter underneath it first. contact@keepitfive.ie → ### Who to write to first — Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Pre-legislative scrutiny happens in this room, and it happens **before the text of the Bill is finalised** . The committee reads the General Scheme, can call officials and experts in to answer for it, and publishes a report recommending changes. [67] These fourteen are the people who can get a transitional provision written in while the Bill is still being drafted. Write to them as well as to your own TDs. Nine TDs and five Senators. The Oireachtas membership page opens on the *select* committee, which is the nine Deputies on their own; considering a General Scheme is a *joint* committee job, so the Senators sit on this one too. [68] Address them as Senator, not Deputy. Matt CarthyChairSinn Féin · Cavan-Monaghan[matt.carthy@oireachtas.ie](mailto:matt.carthy@oireachtas.ie) Paula ButterlyVice-chairFine Gael · Louth[paula.butterly@oireachtas.ie](mailto:paula.butterly@oireachtas.ie) Tom BrabazonFianna Fáil · Dublin Bay North[tom.brabazon@oireachtas.ie](mailto:tom.brabazon@oireachtas.ie) Catherine CallaghanFine Gael · Carlow-Kilkenny[catherine.callaghan@oireachtas.ie](mailto:catherine.callaghan@oireachtas.ie) Albert DolanFianna Fáil · Galway East[albert.dolan@oireachtas.ie](mailto:albert.dolan@oireachtas.ie) Gary GannonSocial Democrats · Dublin Central[gary.gannon@oireachtas.ie](mailto:gary.gannon@oireachtas.ie) Alan KellyLabour Party · Tipperary North[alan.kelly@oireachtas.ie](mailto:alan.kelly@oireachtas.ie) Pádraig O'SullivanFianna Fáil · Cork North-Central[padraig.osullivan@oireachtas.ie](mailto:padraig.osullivan@oireachtas.ie) Mark WardSinn Féin · Dublin Mid-West[mark.ward@oireachtas.ie](mailto:mark.ward@oireachtas.ie) Robbie GallagherFianna Fáil · Seanad[robbie.gallagher@oireachtas.ie](mailto:robbie.gallagher@oireachtas.ie) Garret KelleherFine Gael · Seanad[garret.kelleher@oireachtas.ie](mailto:garret.kelleher@oireachtas.ie) Michael McDowellIndependent · Seanad[michael.mcdowell@oireachtas.ie](mailto:michael.mcdowell@oireachtas.ie) Anne RabbitteFianna Fáil · Seanad[anne.rabbitte@oireachtas.ie](mailto:anne.rabbitte@oireachtas.ie) Lynn RuaneIndependent · Seanad[lynn.ruane@oireachtas.ie](mailto:lynn.ruane@oireachtas.ie) ## Find your TDs — Find the people who can actually change this. All 174 TDs, with the email and phone number from their Oireachtas page. [37] Pick your county, tick your TDs, and the letter below is addressed to them for you. Not sure? [Who are my TDs](https://www.electoralcommission.ie/who-are-my-tds/) (Electoral Commission) finds them from your Eircode, [checktheregister.ie](https://www.checktheregister.ie/) tells you your constituency, and the full list is on [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/). We have flagged Ministers and members of the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: they are the ones who can move this. ## Write to your TD — Your letter. Two minutes. **Nick** created these templates and let us share them. Choose one depending on your circumstances. Fill in the fields. Copy and paste into your email. You can further customise there, if you choose. Nothing you type is stored here. Send one letter per TD, with their name on it. It lands better than a group email. **Nothing you type into this letter is stored.** Your county, your TDs, your name in the letter: none of it leaves your browser. No cookies, no accounts, no tracking of who you are. We only count how many people used each button. The two forms at the end of the page are the one exception, and they hold only what you deliberately send. When your TD replies, send it to us. A reply tells us who is listening, who is posting the party template, and who is worth a second letter. With weeks to go before scrutiny, that is what decides where the effort goes. **Forward the reply only** — delete your own letter underneath it first. [contact@keepitfive.ie](mailto:contact@keepitfive.ie?subject=TD%20reply) It goes to an inbox one of us reads, not to this site. No reply is quoted anywhere without asking you first. ## Talk to us — Two ways to reach the people keeping this page Support ### Do you want to support this page? A correction, a source we missed, an offer of help, or anything else worth saying. It lands in one inbox and goes no further. Message us → Your story ### Do you want your story on this page? Eight years lands on people with plans already made. Say what it changes for you. Nothing is published without asking you first. Tell your story → ## Sign — Three petitions are open right now Two of them ask for exactly what this page asks for: that the people already here keep the rules they came under. The third is Labour’s campaign on what migrants contribute. Each takes a minute. - **Against increasing Irish citizenship from 5 to 8 years** — Petition. Started 28 August by Manavi Purohit. 11,897 signatures by 14 September, still climbing by several hundred a day. - **Protect the 5-year pathway for people already living in Ireland** — Petition. Rachel Zhou’s petition, addressed to the Minister and to the Justice Committee, asking for exactly one thing: that the people already here keep the rules they came under. 2,172 signatures by 14 September. - **Together We Thrive** — Petition. Labour’s campaign on what migrants contribute here, with a petition to add your name to. Its justice spokesperson has asked the Minister to drop the eight-year rule outright. Signed them? Add your name to our list too: [join 44 others →](https://keepitfive.ie/join) We count everyone, and tell you when there is something to do. ## Add your name — I support keeping it five years **44** people have joined so far. ## Together — Where the people who joined find each other WhatsApp group Protests, votes and the next thing to do, as they happen. Join the group → - [**Instagram** @keep.it.five.ireland *Follow →*](https://www.instagram.com/keep.it.five.ireland/) - [**TikTok** @keep.it.five.ireland *Follow →*](https://www.tiktok.com/@keep.it.five.ireland) - [**YouTube** @keep.it.five.ireland *Follow →*](https://www.youtube.com/@keep.it.five.ireland) ## References — Sources Every number and quote on this page comes from somewhere you can check. Accessed 10 September 2026. If we cannot source it, it is not here. 1. Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, *Minister Jim O’Callaghan receives government approval to strengthen migration legislation and introduce new rules on asylum and citizenship* , gov.ie, 26 Nov 2025. [gov.ie](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/minister-jim-ocallaghan-receives-government-approval-to-strengthen-migration-legislation-and-introduce-new-rules-on-asylum-and-citizenship-minister-jim-ocallaghan-and-minister-colm-brophy-publishes-family-reunification-review/) 2. Irish Legal News, *Justice minister secures priority drafting of Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026* , 9 Sept 2026. [irishlegal.com](https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/justice-minister-secures-priority-drafting-of-the-irish-nationality-and-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026) 3. Irish Examiner, *Citizenship rules to tighten as Government approves eight-year residency requirement* , 9 Sept 2026. [irishexaminer.com](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41908855.html) 4. Irish Examiner, *Citizenship rules to tighten by end of this year* , 8 Sept 2026 — the Christmas target, the absence of a lead-in, retrospective application. [irishexaminer.com](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41907943.html) 5. Irish Examiner, *New citizenship rules would require eight years’ residence, language test and civics exam* , 7 Sept 2026 — residence formula and spouse route. [irishexaminer.com](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41907436.html) 6. The Irish Times, *Rules for seeking Irish citizenship to be tightened under proposals due to go to Cabinet* , 7 Sept 2026. [irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/07/rules-for-seeking-irish-citizenship-to-be-tightened-under-proposals-due-to-go-to-cabinet/) 7. The Irish Times, *New rules for Irish citizenship: how will they work?* , 7 Sept 2026 — welfare and State-debt bars, unspecified language level. [irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/07/new-rules-for-irish-citizenship-how-will-they-work/) 8. The Irish Times, *‘People just want safety’: Migrants feel ‘targeted’ by Irish citizenship reforms* , 9 Sept 2026. [irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/09/people-just-want-safety-migrants-feel-targeted-by-irish-citizenship-reforms/) 9. The Irish Times, *‘Disappointed and shocked’: Protesters criticise proposed new rules for Irish citizenship* , 9 Sept 2026. [irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/09/disappointed-and-shocked-protesters-criticise-proposed-new-rules-for-irish-citizenship/) 10. The Irish Times, *Welfare benefits such as children’s allowance will not bar recipients from citizenship* , 8 Sept 2026. [irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/08/welfare-benefits-such-as-childrens-allowance-will-not-bar-recipients-from-citizenship/) 11. RTÉ News, *Citizenship a ‘privilege’, says minister ahead of overhaul* , 7 Sept 2026. [rte.ie](https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0907/1590570-citizenship-changes/) 12. The Journal, *Citizenship rules to be tightened with longer residency and language test* , 7 Sept 2026 — source of the “four years and ten months” remark. [thejournal.ie](https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-citizenship-residency-changes-7154915-Sep2026/) 13. Newstalk, *Irish citizenship: Martin confirms migrants will wait eight years* , Sept 2026. [newstalk.com](https://www.newstalk.com/news/irish-citizenship-2-2307993) 14. Irish Legal News, *Citizenship changes risk cutting migrants out of Irish life, organisations warn* , 8 Sept 2026 — the eight-organisation joint statement. [irishlegal.com](https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/citizenship-changes-risk-cutting-migrants-out-of-irish-life-organisations-warn) 15. Irish Council for Civil Liberties, *Citizenship proposals will destroy a crucial route to integration* , 7 Sept 2026. [iccl.ie](https://www.iccl.ie/news/citizenship-proposals-destroy-integration/) 16. Terence Cosgrave, *Before legislating against an imagined danger, establish that the danger actually exists* , Irish Medical Times, 10 Sept 2026 — the impact-assessment argument and the medical workforce figures. [imt.ie](https://www.imt.ie/opinion/comment/before-legislating-against-an-imagined-danger-establish-that-the-danger-actually-exists-10-09-2026/) 17. Times Higher Education, *Irish citizenship reforms ‘may hit international student recruitment’* , Sept 2026. [timeshighereducation.com](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/irish-citizenship-reforms-may-hit-overseas-student-recruitment) 18. European Parliamentary Research Service, *Acquisition and loss of citizenship in EU Member States* , Briefing PE 769502, 2025 — the 3-to-10-year range, Germany’s cut from 8 to 5, Finland and Cyprus raising 5 to 8, Ireland and Sweden as the only states without a language requirement, and the finding that restriction “may delay rather than bolster migrants’ integration”. [europarl.europa.eu (PDF)](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2025/769502/EPRS_BRI(2025)769502_EN.pdf) 19. GLOBALCIT, European University Institute — Citizenship Law Dataset and the *Global State of Citizenship* report: five years is the most common requirement worldwide, seven the average. [globalcit.eu](https://globalcit.eu/modes-acquisition-citizenship/) · [Global State of Citizenship](https://globalgovernanceprogramme.eui.eu/global-state-of-citizenship-report/) 20. Hainmueller, Hangartner & Pietrantuono, *Naturalization fosters the long-term political integration of immigrants* , PNAS, 2015. [pnas.org](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1418794112) 21. Hainmueller, Hangartner & Pietrantuono, *Catalyst or Crown: Does Naturalization Promote the Long-Term Social Integration of Immigrants?* , American Political Science Review. [cambridge.org](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/abs/catalyst-or-crown-does-naturalization-promote-the-longterm-social-integration-of-immigrants/F46D864B22AD8C71D5ED1B0DE2FFB4CA) · [full text (PDF)](https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/67792/1/Hangartner%20Catalyst%20or%20crown.pdf) 22. Hainmueller, Hangartner & Ward, *The effect of citizenship on the long-term earnings of marginalized immigrants* , Science Advances, 2019. [science.org](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aay1610) 23. JURIST, *Portugal Constitutional Court rejects stricter Nationality Law amendments* , Dec 2025. [jurist.org](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/12/portugal-constitutional-court-rejects-stricter-nationality-law-amendments/) 24. Morais Leitão, *Changes to the law of nationality — Constitutional Court ruling and presidential veto* , Dec 2025. [mlgts.pt](https://www.mlgts.pt/en/knowledge/legal-alerts/Changes-to-the-law-of-nationality-constitutional-court-ruling-and-presidential-veto/26467/) · [ConstitutionNet](https://constitutionnet.org/news/constitutional-court-portugal-rejects-proposed-amendments-tighten-nationality-laws) 25. IMI Daily, *Sweden passes law curtailing naturalization: 8-year wait, income floor* — commencing 6 June 2026. [imidaily.com](https://www.imidaily.com/europe/sweden-passes-law-curtailing-naturalization-8-year-wait-income-floor/) 26. Department of Justice, *Record numbers receive Irish Citizenship decisions in 2024* , gov.ie. [gov.ie](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/record-numbers-receive-irish-citizenship-decisions-in-2024/) 27. Irish Legal News, *Record 30,000 decisions made on Irish citizenship applications* . [irishlegal.com](https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/record-30000-decisions-made-on-irish-citizenship-applications) 28. Houses of the Oireachtas, *Citizenship Applications* , Parliamentary Question, 24 March 2026 — median processing of about eight months in 2024 and 2025. [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-03-24/710/) 29. GFDL Advogados, *Portugal’s hard turn: the end of an open era for nationality law* — the 7-year and 10-year periods effective 2026. [gfdl.legal](https://gfdl.legal/portugals-hard-turn-the-end-of-an-open-era-for-nationality-law/) 30. Article 22, Spanish Civil Code — two years’ residence for nationals of Ibero-American countries including Brazil. [Sterna Abogados](https://www.abogadoextranjeriamadrid.net/en/fast-track-spanish-citizenship-in-two-years-everything-you-need-to-know/) 31. Manavi Purohit, *Petition Against Increasing Irish Citizenship from 5 to 8 Years* , Change.org, opened 28 Aug 2026. [change.org](https://www.change.org/p/petition-against-increasing-irish-citizenship-from-5-to-8-years) 32. Houses of the Oireachtas, *Making a submission — public consultations* . [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/making-a-submission/public-consultations/) 33. Houses of the Oireachtas, *Members* . [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/) 34. Immigrant Council of Ireland, *Campaigns* . [immigrantcouncil.ie](https://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/campaigns) 35. Immigration Service Delivery, *How to become an Irish citizen* — the rules currently in force. [irishimmigration.ie](https://www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/) · [Citizens Information](https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving-country/irish-citizenship/becoming-an-irish-citizen-through-naturalisation/) 36. Nick, *Letter to your TD: Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, transitional provisions* (two versions), Google Docs, Sept 2026. [docs.google.com](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ukDwfyEQSb6p447k7DZa0cIq-EPajGS-DsmHOkT06Sk/edit) 37. Houses of the Oireachtas, *Members of the 34th Dáil* , Open Data API and member pages, retrieved 10 Sept 2026. Emails and phones as published on each member’s Oireachtas page. [api.oireachtas.ie](https://api.oireachtas.ie/) · [oireachtas.ie/members](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/) 38. Doras, Immigrant Council of Ireland, ICCL, Irish Refugee Council, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Nasc and AkiDwA, joint statement, *Citizenship proposals will destroy a crucial route to integration* , 8 Sept 2026. ICCL names the signatories as “Doras, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Irish Refugee Council, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Nasc, AkiDwA and the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre”; Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre is Nasc’s own full name. [iccl.ie](https://www.iccl.ie/news/citizenship-proposals-destroy-integration/) · [Irish Legal News](https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/citizenship-changes-risk-cutting-migrants-out-of-irish-life-organisations-warn) 39. John Lannon, CEO of Doras, on Newstalk Breakfast: *‘Harsh’ to make migrants wait eight years for Irish citizenship* , 24 August 2026. [newstalk.com](https://www.newstalk.com/news/irish-citizenship-2291996) 40. Imasha Costa, *Citizenship rule change moves goalposts on hard-working people* , Irish Examiner, 10 Sept 2026. [irishexaminer.com](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41908723.html) 41. Jack White, *‘People just want safety’: Migrants feel ‘targeted’ by Irish citizenship reforms* , The Irish Times, 9 Sept 2026. Nick quoted from his home in Limerick. [irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/09/people-just-want-safety-migrants-feel-targeted-by-irish-citizenship-reforms/) 42. McGinnity, Carron-Kee et al., *Monitoring Report on Integration 2024* , ESRI and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, March 2025. Employment rate Q1 2024: foreign-born 76.8%, Irish-born 72.7%; activity rate 81.5% v 75.3%; tertiary education 59% v 42%; at risk of poverty non-EU-born 20% v 11%; housing cost overburden 37% v 9%. [esri.ie](https://www.esri.ie/publications/monitoring-report-on-integration-2024) · [PDF](https://www.esri.ie/system/files/publications/JR11.pdf) 43. Central Statistics Office, *Census 2022 Profile 7: Employment, Occupations and Commuting* , Dec 2023. Labour-force participation higher among non-Irish citizens than Irish citizens; unemployment 9% v 8%. [cso.ie](https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpp7/censusofpopulation2022profile7-employmentoccupationsandcommuting/atwork/) · [EMN summary](https://emn.ie/labour-force-participation-of-migrants/) 44. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, *State of the Register 2024* . 89,496 registrants at 1 June 2024; 7,120 new registrants in the period, of whom 1,569 qualified in Ireland, 125 in the EU and 5,426 outside the EU; top countries of education India 3,717, Philippines 828, UK 281, Ghana 191; register by nationality Ireland 54,067, India 18,464, Philippines 7,040, UK 3,247. [nmbi.ie (PDF)](https://www.nmbi.ie/NMBI/media/NMBI/NMBI-State-of-the-Register-2024.pdf) 45. Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, *Highest ever number of employment permits issued in 2024* , press release, Dec 2024, and EMN Ireland, *2024 statistics on employment permits released* , Jan 2025. 39,390 permits issued; India 13,147, Brazil 4,458, Philippines 3,944; Health & Social Work 12,501, ICT 6,788, Agriculture 3,625, Accommodation & Food 3,358; 51% of new permits Critical Skills. [gov.ie](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-enterprise-tourism-and-employment/press-releases/highest-ever-number-of-employment-permits-issued-in-2024/) · [emn.ie](https://emn.ie/employment-permits/) 46. Central Statistics Office, *Census of Population 2022, Summary Results: Migration and Diversity* . 631,785 non-Irish citizens, 12% of the usually resident population. [cso.ie](https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpsr/censusofpopulation2022-summaryresults/migrationanddiversity/) 47. Germany. Bundestag bill 20/9044 (Nov 2023): “Die derzeit … erforderliche Mindestaufenthaltsdauer von acht Jahren ist zu lang und entspricht auch nicht der … üblichen Aufenthaltsdauer … von fünf Jahren”. Destatis: 291,955 naturalisations in 2024 (+46%), 332,500 in 2025 (+14%), record. Bill 21/537 (2025) keeps five years: “entspricht der im internationalen Vergleich … üblichen Aufenthaltsdauer”. [bundestag.de (PDF)](https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/090/2009044.pdf) · [destatis.de](https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2026/06/PD26_186_125.html) · [bill 21/537 (PDF)](https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/21/005/2100537.pdf) 48. Sweden. Riksdag, 29 Apr 2026, and Sweden Herald, 23 Feb 2026 (Johan Forssell). SVT, 29 Apr 2026: transition rules rejected 147–146. The Local, 2 Apr 2026, TCO chair Therese Svanström: “we actually make it harder for Sweden than we need to”. The Local, 17 Aug 2026: 99 citizenships granted in July against 1,646 in June and 3,970 in May. [riksdagen.se](https://www.riksdagen.se/en/news/articles/2026/apr/29/more-stringent-requirements-for-swedish_cmsda89d1d5-5403-402f-9a7c-61b4ed37538den/) · [svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/medborgarskapskrav-skarps-utan-overgangsregler) · [thelocal.se](https://www.thelocal.se/20260402/swedish-union-leaders-warn-haphazard-citizenship-reforms-could-harm-international-reputation) · [thelocal.se](https://www.thelocal.se/20260817/sweden-grants-fewer-than-100-new-citizenships-the-month-after-new-rules-come-into-force) 49. Austria. Regierungsvorlage 1189 XXII. GP (2005): “eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher und unübersichtlicher Regelungen zu Fristen”. Statistik Austria, Feb 2025: naturalisation rate 0.7%. Eurostat 2024: EU 2.7. ORF Wien, 6 Mar 2025: 611,000 Viennese, 35.6% of over-16s, cannot vote. ECRI sixth report on Austria, 2020, §74: “ECRI regrets this regression”. [parlament.gv.at](https://www.parlament.gv.at/dokument/XXII/I/1189/fnameorig_051960.html) · [statistik.at (PDF)](https://www.statistik.at/fileadmin/announcement/2025/02/20250219Einbuergerungen2024EN.pdf) · [wien.orf.at](https://wien.orf.at/stories/3295902/) · [coe.int (PDF)](https://rm.coe.int/report-on-austria-6th-monitoring-cycle-/16809e826f) 50. Portugal. Government, 23 Jun 2025, António Leitão Amaro: “reforço da exigência de ligação efetiva à comunidade nacional”. Constitutional Court, Dec 2025: four norms unconstitutional. Presidency, May 2026: the law “deveria também assentar num maior consenso”. [portugal.gov.pt](https://portugal.gov.pt/gc25/comunicacao/noticias/governo-reforma-exigencia-nas-leis-de-nacionalidade-e-residencia) · [mlgts.pt](https://www.mlgts.pt/en/knowledge/legal-alerts/Changes-to-the-law-of-nationality-constitutional-court-ruling-and-presidential-veto/26467/) · [presidencia.pt](https://www.presidencia.pt/atualidade/toda-a-atualidade/2026/05/presidente-da-republica-promulga-decreto-da-assembleia-da-republica/) 51. Cyprus. European Commission, 6 Mar 2024: “The change primarily aims to attract talented and specialised foreign individuals”. Cyprus Mail, 3 Apr 2025: around 12,000 applications pending, average wait three years. AIDA/ECRE 2025 update: “very few naturalisation applications in 2025, even for people who were born in Cyprus or who arrived as children”. [ec.europa.eu](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/cyprus-new-citizenship-legislation-2024-03-06_en) · [cyprus-mail.com](https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/04/03/mps-hear-of-delays-in-citizenship-and-residency-applications) · [ecre.org](https://ecre.org/aida-country-report-on-cyprus-update-on-2025/) 52. Italy. Al Jazeera, 8 Jun 2025, Giorgia Meloni: the law “is an excellent law, among the most open”. Referendum 8–9 Jun 2025: Yes 65.34%, turnout 29.89%, void for lack of quorum. CNEL report, Dec 2025: almost 915,000 pupils without Italian citizenship, 65.4% born in Italy. [aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/8/italy-holds-referendum-on-easing-citizenship-rules) · [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Italian_referendum) · [infomigrants.net](https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/68854/italy-new-report-snapshots-data-on-citizenship-wellbeing-and-education) 53. Ireland. Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, s. 15(1)(c): one year’s continuous residence immediately before the application, plus four years in the preceding eight. Five in all. Head 5 of the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 would make it eight, two continuous plus six in the previous ten. [69] [irishstatutebook.ie](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1956/act/26/section/15/enacted/en/html) · [gov.ie](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/government-approval-secured-for-the-priority-drafting-of-the-irish-nationality-and-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026/) 54. Germany. Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz, § 10(1): “seit fünf Jahren rechtmäßig seinen gewöhnlichen Aufenthalt im Inland”. Cut from eight to five by the Staatsangehörigkeits-Modernisierungsgesetz, in force 27 Jun 2024. [gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stag/__10.html) 55. France. Code civil, art. 21-17: naturalisation is granted only to a foreigner who proves habitual residence in France for the five years preceding the application. [legifrance.gouv.fr](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006419648) 56. Netherlands. Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap, art. 8(1)(c): admission and principal residence for at least five years immediately preceding the request. [wetten.overheid.nl](https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003738/) 57. Luxembourg. Loi du 8 mars 2017 sur la nationalité luxembourgeoise, art. 14: habitual residence and lawful stay for at least five years, the last year immediately before the application uninterrupted. [legilux.public.lu](https://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/loi/2017/03/08/a289/jo) 58. United Kingdom. British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 1, para. 1(2): five years’ residence ending on the date of application, and no restriction on the period of stay in the final twelve months, which in practice means indefinite leave to remain held for a year on top of the five. [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/61/schedule/1) 59. Finland. Nationality Act 359/2003, s. 13, as amended by Act 474/2024, in force 1 Oct 2024: eight years, raised from five. Time spent waiting for a residence permit no longer counts. [finlex.fi](https://finlex.fi/en/legislation/2003/359) 60. Cyprus. Civil Registry Law 141(I)/2002, art. 111B, inserted by Law 149(I)/2023, in the Gazette of 19 Dec 2023: eight years’ lawful residence within the previous eleven, with the final twelve months continuous. Four or five years for highly skilled workers holding Greek-language certificates. [ec.europa.eu](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/cyprus-new-citizenship-legislation-2024-03-06_en) · [kyprianou.com](https://www.kyprianou.com/cypriot-citizenship-by-virtue-of-years-of-residence-new-legal-requirements/) 61. Sweden. Lag (2001:82) om svenskt medborgarskap, 11 §, as amended in force 6 Jun 2026: eight years’ habitual residence, raised from five, with no transitional arrangements. Seven years for refugees and for spouses of Swedish citizens, five for stateless people. [migrationsverket.se](https://www.migrationsverket.se/nyheter/news-archive/2026-05-06-new-rules-for-swedish-citizenship-from-6-june-2026.html) 62. Denmark. Cirkulæreskrivelse nr. 9461 af 17. juni 2021 om naturalisation: nine years’ uninterrupted residence and a permanent residence permit. Eight years for refugees, six for Nordic citizens. Danish citizenship is granted by Act of Parliament, so the criteria sit in the circular rather than in a statute. [retsinformation.dk](https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/retsinfo/2021/9461) 63. Italy. Legge 5 febbraio 1992, n. 91, art. 9(1)(f): ten years’ lawful residence for a non-EU national. Four years for an EU citizen. [normattiva.it](https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:1992-02-05;91) 64. Portugal. Lei n.º 37/81, art. 6, as amended by Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 of 18 May 2026, in force 19 May 2026: ten years’ legal residence, seven for EU citizens and for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries. Was five and six. Time spent waiting for the residence card no longer counts. [diariodarepublica.pt](https://files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2026/05/09500/0000200020.pdf) 65. Spain. Código Civil, art. 22(1): ten years’ legal, continuous residence. Five for refugees, two for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and for Sephardic Jews. [boe.es](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763) 66. Austria. Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985, § 10(1)(1): ten years’ lawful and uninterrupted residence, at least five of them with settlement (Niederlassung). [oesterreich.gv.at](https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/menschen_aus_anderen_staaten/staatsbuergerschaft/1/Verleihung-nach-zehn-Jahren.html) · [jusline.at](https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/stbg/paragraf/10) 67. Houses of the Oireachtas, *How laws are made* . On pre-legislative scrutiny: the general scheme of a Government Bill “undergoes scrutiny by an Oireachtas Committee before the text of the Bill is finalised”, the committee “may invite stakeholders to participate by attending meetings”, and at the end it “produces a report” that “makes recommendations on the Bill”. On Second Stage: “The general principles of the Bill are debated … At the end of Second Stage, the House may, or may not, agree to allow the Bill to proceed to Committee Stage.” [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/how-laws-are-made/) 68. Houses of the Oireachtas, *Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration — membership* , retrieved 11 September 2026. Nine TDs and five Senators. Matt Carthy TD is Cathaoirleach, Paula Butterly TD is Leas-Chathaoirleach. The membership page opens on the *Select Committee* tab, which is the nine Deputies only; the *Joint Committee* tab adds the five Senators. Pre-legislative scrutiny is a joint committee function: the committee’s own *Our role* page says the select committee “may consider Bills, Estimates and other business referred to it by the Dáil Éireann”, while the joint committee “is also empowered to consider the general scheme or draft heads of Bills”.[oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/34/justice-home-affairs-and-migration/our-role/) Portraits are the official member photographs from data.oireachtas.ie. [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/34/justice-home-affairs-and-migration/membership/) 69. Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, *General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026* , published 21 September 2026. Ten Heads and a Schedule, 22 pages. Head 5 rewrites s. 15(1)(c) of the 1956 Act to two years’ continuous residence plus six in the preceding ten, and adds self-sufficiency, immigration-offence, language, civics and continuing-residence conditions; Head 6 does the same for spouses at five years; Head 7 is the income and welfare regulation power; Head 8 lets the Minister waive language and civics for prescribed categories and never good character; Head 9 removes Temporary Protection and refused EU-treaty-rights time from reckonable residence and, in subhead 2, saves only applications already submitted; Head 10 adds “public policy, public order or national security” as a ground for revocation. [gov.ie](https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/general-scheme-of-the-irish-nationality-and-citizenship-amendment-bill-2026/) · [PDF on assets.gov.ie](https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/cadca21c/General_Scheme_of_the_Irish_Nationality_and_Citizenship_Amendment_Bill_2026.pdf) · [mirror on this site](https://keepitfive.ie/docs/general-scheme-2026.pdf) 70. Dáil Éireann, written answer to Question 190 (Roderic O’Gorman), 7 October 2026: naturalisation applications received each month of 2026, from 2,292 to 3,727 a month January to August, and 8,765 in September. [oireachtas.ie](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-10-07/190/) 71. Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice, to the *Irish Examiner* , 5 October 2026: a “more generous scheme for persons who are here already” is “something that we’re considering, and that we will take into account as it goes through the Houses of the Oireachtas”. No transitional rule has been published. [irishexaminer.com](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41919961.html) **Follow the campaign** on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/keep.it.five.ireland/), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@keep.it.five.ireland) and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@keep.it.five.ireland), and join [the WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DF8dRBolYaE7EqbxBQuLoG). **Not legal advice.** The Bill itself has not been drafted. The General Scheme was published on 21 September 2026 and is [here as a PDF](https://keepitfive.ie/docs/general-scheme-2026.pdf), and summarised Head by Head on [The Bill](https://keepitfive.ie/bill); anyone assessing their own position should read it and take advice on their own dates and permissions. Compiled 10 September 2026 from published sources. Last updated 22 October 2026. Plain-text version, every figure with its source: [/facts.php](https://keepitfive.ie/facts.php).