The High Court has heard an attempt by a Filipino woman to become an Irish citizen was blocked because she works as a live-in cleaner and cook in the Argentine embassy in Dublin.

59-year-old Florita Rodis has brought a challenge against the decision by the Minister for Justice last May that she is ineligible for naturalisation.

Florita Rodis applied for naturalisation after almost 7 years working as a cook and cleaner in the Argentine embassy in Dublin 4.

The response from the Minister for Justice is that she is ineligible to become an Irish citizen because she does not meet the residency requirement.

The 59-year old has brought a legal challenge against the refusal arguing it is unfair and unreasonable as it is based on the fact that she just happens to live and work at an embassy.

Her lawyers highlight that she is not a diplomat, she is domestic staff and her only privilege or immunity is that she pays tax to Argentina rather than Ireland.

Mr. Justice Daniel Herbert has given permission for her case to proceed.