Anti-immigrant sentiment in Ireland has increased alongside concerns about the cost of living, public services and migrant integration. Against this backdrop, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is considering changes to the requirements for naturalisation. People applying for citizenship may be required to demonstrate language proficiency as part of the naturalisation process.
Under the proposed reforms, applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language. This could have consequences for the provision of classes teaching English for speakers of other languages (known as ESOL) in Ireland.
