Video: Fine Gael
MORE than 3,000 people from over 100 countries across the world have been granted Irish citizenship following three ceremonies in Dublin today.
Retired judges Byran McMahon and Patrick McMahon presided over the ceremonies at Dublin’s Convention Centre, which were attended by Minister Alan Shatter.
Many of those who were granted citizenship voiced their joy at being Irish saying, “It feels great to have become Irish… I’m very excited to be part of Irish society.”
The Minister made the decision on taking office in March 2011 that the granting of Irish citizenship should be marked in a “formal and meaningful way”.
This morning he said: “The decision to apply to become an Irish citizen is, I know, one you did not take lightly and today is a major event in your life and that of your family.
2The oath you will soon take is a solemn personal undertaking and I know it is one you take seriously. Today is also a major event for us as the host nation in bestowing this honour on you.
“My message to all of our new citizens here today is that, upon becoming an Irish citizen, each of you will become a citizen of a State in which you have equal rights, in which your rights as Irish citizens are no different to those Irish citizens whose ancestors were born here and the equal rights of each of you are deserving of equal respect.
“You are becoming citizens of a State whose Constitution proclaims the equal rights of men and women and whose laws prohibit discrimination against any individual on grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender.”
