Gerry McGrath 
In order to acquire Irish citizenship by naturalisation, the Minister for Justice must be satisfied that you are of good character. The nature of the good character test was examined in the High Court case of Akande v MJE where Ferriter J. gave judgement last year. Mr Akande unfortunately had a serious drug conviction and had received a substantial prison sentence. However, he had made a good … Read more
For many years, Ireland has operated a  Criminal  Injuries Compensation Scheme to compensate victims injured as a result of crime. The problem was that it limited compensation to out of pocket expenses and made no allowance for pain and suffering. Now the European Court of Justice has found (Blanco v Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal) that Ireland’s scheme does not meet the requirements of the Council Direct which mandates … Read more
The government has indicated it will implement changes to take effect from 1st March next although the necessary legislation has not yet been passed. The changes have mixed blessings for both landlords and tenants. New tenancies created after 1st March may be set at a market rent. So, landlords will not be bound by the previous rent limited to Rent Pressure Zone increases. But…landlords will not … Read more
While both jurisdictions share the island of Ireland, their immigration systems are distinct—one governed by the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and the other by the United Kingdom. The Common Travel Area The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a longstanding arrangement allowing free movement of Irish and UK citizens across both jurisdictions. This … Read more
Did you know that Ireland gives residency for people wishing to do voluntary work for eligible organisations for up to 24 months? A non-governmental, not-for-profit, voluntary or charitable body or sports body must invite you and act as your sponsor. Volunteering can be in the fields of arts, heritage, culture, religious and faith-based support activities … Read more
An attempt to shake the requirement that a person not be absent from the State for more than 70 days (extendable to 100 days in exceptional circumstances) has fallen at the first hurdle. In a decision 25th July 2025, ​ Ms. Justice Siobhán Phelan refused Bulent Hicsonmez’s application for leave to proceed with judicial review. … Read more
If you are a naturalised Irish citizen but are living outside Ireland, you should complete a Declaration of Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship each year and file it with the Department of Justice. It is a simple form which must be signed in the presence of a notary or other qualified person. It is filed … Read more
A recent Irish referral to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has provided further clarity regarding the rights of EU citizens and their family members to free movement (C-488/21 Voican v Chief Appeals Officer). The case involved Mr. Voican, a dependent parent of an EU citizen working in Ireland. Mr. Voican applied for Disability Allowance … Read more
You do not have to be resident in Ireland to purchase property here. Purchasing property will not confer any right of residency of course. As a non-resident purchaser, you will need to obtain an Irish tax number (PPS no.) so that the deed of purchase can be stamped. Without stamping, you will never be able … Read more
. 9 of the Immigration Act 2004 requires ‘non-nationals’ to notify ISD of a change in their address. This must be given in advance to their local immigration officer and if changing areas, within 48 hours of arrival to the new immigration officer. Failure to do so can result in a conviction and hefty fine. … Read more
