Around 1,200 people, including over 30 Americans, were granted Irish citizenship during two ceremonies in Dublin this morning, Monday, February 26.
Applicants from 105 countries around the world were conferred as Irish citizens during two ceremonies at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe and Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne were both in attendance during Monday's ceremonies.
Speaking ahead of Monday's ceremonies, Donohoe said immigration played a fundamental role in supporting Ireland's economy and society.
"Ireland has always had a strong culture of welcoming new people and I am delighted to be able to attend this morning’s ceremony so that I personally can welcome our newest citizens," Donohoe said in a statement.
"Today marks the end of one journey and the beginning of an exciting new one for them. By sharing their own unique cultures and traditions with us, our newest citizens become part of our communities and we are all the better for it.
"I also want to acknowledge the value and necessity of immigration to support Ireland’s strong economy and how it benefits our overall society."
February 26, 2024: Rhita Snoussi and Siham Benali at the National Concert Hall. (RollingNews.ie)
Browne added that Irish people understood what it means to be an immigrant due to Ireland's strong tradition of emigration.
"As a nation that over centuries saw so many Irish people emigrate to find safety or work, the Irish people understand what it means to be a migrant, to seek a safe haven, to lay roots and to find a new home," Browne said in a statement.
"I give my best wishes to our new citizens and to their families as they embark on the next steps of their lives in Ireland and I look forward to meeting as many of them as possible today."
Céad míle fáilte to the 1,200 new Irish citizens granted Irish citizenship in two ceremonies at the National Concert Hall in Dublin today.
These new Irish citizens hail from 105 countries around the world and live in 31 counties on the island of Ireland.@Paschald @HMcEntee pic.twitter.com/Ci65tCvKXn
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) February 26, 2024
Of the 1,200 people conferred as Irish citizens on Monday, India was the best represented with 243 new citizens.
Brazil (99) provided the second-highest number of citizens, with the UK (81), Romania (76), and the Philippines (74) completing the top five.
The US provided the tenth-highest number of citizens, with 35 Americans granted Irish citizenship on Monday. Poland, Pakistan, Nigeria, and China also featured in the top ten.
Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 to mark the occasion of granting citizenship, with 175 ceremonies taking place over the past 13 years. A total of 175,000 people have received Irish citizenship since the ceremonies were introduced.
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