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Micheál Martin Proposes Raising Citizenship Residency to Eight Years

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 11:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Micheál Martin proposed raising citizenship residency from five to eight years.
He also called for language and self-sufficiency tests for new citizens.
The government accelerated asylum decisions and appeals after admitting the system was previously slow.
Record asylum applications reached 18,561 in 2024, then fell about 30% in 2025.
Nearly 45% of Irish households struggled to make ends meet in 2025.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Micheál Martin proposed raising citizenship residency from five to eight years.
He also called for language and self-sufficiency tests for new citizens.
The government accelerated asylum decisions and appeals after admitting the system was previously slow.
Record asylum applications reached 18,561 in 2024, then fell about 30% in 2025.
Nearly 45% of Irish households struggled to make ends meet in 2025.