The Irish government has approved the priority drafting of legislation that would tighten the rules for obtaining citizenship. The main proposed change is to increase the residency requirement for naturalisation from 5 to 8 years.

Applicants would also have to demonstrate proficiency in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language, pass a test on Irish civics, society and politics, prove that they are financially self-sufficient and comply with stricter immigration rules.

The new rules have not yet come into force. The proposed legislation still needs to go through the legislative process before the changes can take effect.