{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/6acf4f58b9a0305b852cde1f?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Citizenship Applications Soar as Government Tightens the Rules - 14/10/2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/1791966347934-b79b210b-d393-4a80-aad5-96fa8b62c73a.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The number of people applying for Irish citizenship has surged by 236 per cent, following the Government’s announcement of plans to tighten the application process.</p><p><br></p><p>More than 8,700 applications were received last month, compared with just over 2,600 in August.</p><p><br></p><p>The proposed changes include extending the residency requirement from five years to eight, introducing a civics exam and new financial requirements. The Government hopes to introduce the reforms before the end of this year.</p><p><br></p><p>However, Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman says the proposals have simply served to “scare” people applying for naturalisation.</p><p><br></p><p>Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the proposed changes and what they could mean for those hoping to become Irish citizens.</p>","author_name":"lmfm "}