Around 4,600 people from more than 139 countries are set to become Irish citizens at ceremonies taking place in Co Kerry over today and tomorrow.
Applicants from almost every county across the island will take a formal declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State as they are officially granted Irish citizenship, reports RTE.
Five separate ceremonies will be held over the two-day period in Killarney, Co Kerry.
The Presiding Officer for the events is Judge Paddy McMahon, who will formally confer citizenship on those attending.
He will oversee the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, reports RTE.
The new citizens will pledge to observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy is attending the ceremonies.
“Irish citizenship is about freedom – freedom to participate fully in society, to vote, to shape the future of your community, to raise your family with security and belonging,” Mr Brophy said, reports RTE.
“It is also about responsibility, it is about respecting the rule of law, contributing to the common good and standing up for the values that underpin our republic,” reports RTE.
Mr Brophy congratulated those attending the opening ceremony and extended his best wishes to them.
The Department has recently introduced a new webpage designed to help applicants better understand the naturalisation process, including required documentation for identity and residency.
It also offers guidance on how to certify official documents, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
