375. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2026, if any person who holds any period of reckonable residence on the day the act commences, continues to be assessed under the residence conditions in force on that day (details supplied). [67694/26]

402. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a grandfather clause in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 to ensure that marriages entered into before 2025 remain subject to the existing three-year residency requirement for spouses of Irish citizens. [67762/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 402 together.

The Government recognises and values the significant contribution that migrants make to Irish society, communities and the economy.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to implement a firmer and more sustainable migration system which protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework. In that context, the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2026 proposes a number of reforms to the citizenship process

Citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society and it is important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable. The proposed changes do not seek to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are intended to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and lasting connection to Ireland, an understanding of the State and its institutions, and an ongoing commitment to Irish society.

The proposed amendments relate to the conditions for acquiring citizenship and do not affect a person's entitlement to reside, work, study, establish a business or build a life in Ireland in accordance with the terms of their immigration permission.

The Government recognises that some individuals may be relatively close to meeting the current residence requirements and may be disappointed by the proposed changes. Any legislative reform requires a commencement date and, inevitably, there will be cases where individuals fall on one side or the other of that date.

As provided for in the General Scheme, the revised citizenship provisions are intended to apply following enactment and commencement of the legislation. Accordingly, citizenship applications made following commencement will be assessed under the legislative framework then in force

The Government is aware of the concerns expressed by a range of stakeholders. Those views have been noted and will form part of the wider public and parliamentary consideration of the legislation as it progresses through the Oireachtas.