An online celebration this evening welcomed 1,000 people who recently received their Irish citizenship.
The event is being live-streamed from Croke Park with performances from some of the new citizens, as well as the Garda Band.
Citizenship ceremonies were suspended early on in the pandemic; however, a temporary system was put in place in January of this year to allow applicants to complete the process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty to the State.
More than 6,500 people have since had the opportunity to complete their citizenship applications and 4,400 have received their certificates of naturalisation.
🇮🇪 A big welcome to all who have received their Irish Citizenship so far this year and to those for taking part in our virtual celebration event tonight 🎉
☘️ Céad Míle Fáilte ☘️ #IrishCitizen2021 pic.twitter.com/EJNGKsJY9K
— Department of Justice (@DeptJusticeIRL) July 27, 2021
The Minister for Justice Heather Humphries is welcoming the new citizens with a speech broadcast live from Valentia Island in County Kerry.
Speaking ahead of the event, she said the online event gives them “the opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion together.”
“Over the last year so much has changed about how we live our lives but our sense of kinship, community and belonging is stronger than ever before and I am honoured to welcome so many people who have chosen to make Ireland their home,” she said.
“By sharing their own unique cultures and traditions with us, our newest citizens have become part of our communities and we are all the richer for it.”
🤗 Céad míle fáilte roimh ár saoránaigh Éireannacha nua!
Táimid ag cur fáilte roimh ár #SaoránaighÉireannacha nua le ceiliúradh saoránachta i bPáirc an Chrócaigh tráthnóna inniu ☘️
Comhghairdeas!#SearmanasSaoránachÉireannach #Gaeilge pic.twitter.com/RrOZspm2DG
— Department of Justice (@DeptJusticeIRL) July 27, 2021
She encouraged people to “share their support and good wishes for your fellow citizens” with the hashtag #IrishCitizen2021.
In-person ceremonies are due to resume in December 2021, subject to public health guidelines.
