The Irish Government was actively examining the introduction of language and civics tests for people seeking naturalised Irish citizenship as recently as 2020, according to an official Government strategy document.
The proposal is outlined in the Government’s Migrant Integration Strategy 2017-2020, which states that the introduction of civics and language tests for citizenship applicants “will be examined”. The document also records that the Department had agreed to commission research, including a review of such tests, as part of work marking 10 years of Irish citizenship ceremonies at the time.
The disclosure comes amid renewed debate over Ireland’s naturalisation rules following the conviction of Parnell Square attacker Riad Bouchaker, whose Irish citizenship has prompted questions about the current requirements for obtaining citizenship.
Notably, Bouchaker – originally an Algerian national who attained Irish citizenship despite having such poor English that he required a French Arabic interpreter in court, even after living in Ireland for over 25 years. He also showed an active hostility towards Irish society and a lack of work history, but was granted naturalised status.
Under the 2017-2020 strategy’s implementation section, the Government said it had agreed to commission research into citizenship ceremonies which would also examine language and civics testing.
“The Department has agreed to commission a piece of research to mark 10 years for Citizenship ceremonies, the research will include a review of the Civics and Language tests,” the document states.
“Discussions are ongoing with the ESRI in this regard.”
This commitment appears in the document multiple times.
The strategy identifies the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) as the responsible body for carrying out the work.
It also outlines a process involving a “mapping exercise on international activity and best practice” and consultations with NGOs working with migrants before making a recommendation.
The intended outcome, according to the document, was to establish whether introducing civics and language tests “would be appropriate and an aid in the integration process”.
The proposal has returned to public attention following a series of comments from senior Government figures in recent weeks.
Last week, Gript reported that Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea supported the introduction of an English language proficiency requirement for Irish citizenship after Tánaiste Simon Harris said there was “some merit” in considering language proficiency as part of the naturalisation process.
FF TD calls for language proficiency test for Irish citizenship
Speaking to Gript after Bouchaker’s conviction, Harris said there were “legitimate discussions to be had” around citizenship more broadly.
He also said language formed an important part of integration.
“I do believe that language is an important part of integration,” Harris said.
“It’s an important part for the person coming to a country, and it’s important for the country to which they’re coming. So I do think there’s some merit in considering a language proficiency, but how you best do that is something that I’ll reflect on.”
Earlier this year, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan also confirmed that his Department had previously examined the possibility of introducing language requirements, but said concerns had been raised about the administrative burden involved in testing applicants.
Notably, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Fianna Fáil Social Protection Minister Darragh Calleary seemed less keen on the idea when asked.
Ireland currently does not require applicants for naturalised citizenship to pass either a language proficiency test or a civics examination.
Applicants must generally satisfy residency requirements and meet a number of statutory conditions before citizenship can be granted.
Ireland is the only European Union member state that does not require applicants for naturalised citizenship to demonstrate language proficiency before becoming citizens.
