A changing Ireland sees many people come from overseas to work here with some applying for Irish citizenship.
Since the 1980s over 11,000 people have received Irish citizenship. Almost 10,000 people a year are applying for refugee status in Ireland. While some migrant workers and applicants for refugee status may return to their home country in time, others are applying to stay in Ireland permanently. Isiaka Olawale originally from Nigeria has recently become an Irish citizen.
I feel like I'm 100%, I’m Irish now.
Anyone who has been living in Ireland for over five years and is of good character can apply for Irish citizenship. If successful they must take an oath of allegiance in court. Evodie Zau has just made her declaration at Dublin's District Court. After seven years in Ireland this was a special occasion for her.
I was so happy, very happy.
It takes time to become an Irish citizen, but in countries such as Holland, the United Kingdom and in some German states, the process requires a citizenship course or an exam.
Dr Iseult Honohan of the University College Dublin School of Politics and International Relations is not sure such a process is beneficial however,
I think those sort of requirements, of people to attend courses of some kind might be useful.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 July 2006. The reporter is Anne-Marie Smyth.
