Naturalisation Loyalty Oath

[Zyklon B]

I noticed in this article in Metroeireann that prospective candidates are obliged to swear an oath:

“I, having applied to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for a certificate of naturalisation, hereby solemnly declare my fidelity to the Irish nation and my loyalty to the State.”

Questions:

• 1. What does 'fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State entail?
  2. What if the naturalised citizen violates this? Can citizenship be stripped away from them?
  3. Are there any circumstances in which citizenship can be revoked?
  4. Should naturalisation consist of merely an oath? I presume there are other requirements, apparently spoken English (or Irish) is not. Should it be?

[A_man_about_a_dog]

apparently spoken English (or Irish) is not. Should it be?

Most defintely. How can people expect to integrate if they can't be understood because they are unable to speak the language of day-to-day business.

[jc]

Most defintely. How can people expect to integrate if they can't be understood because they are unable to speak the language of day-to-day business.

But there is no "expectation to integrate" as a requirement either...

[A_man_about_a_dog]

Most defintely. How can people expect to integrate if they can't be understood because they are unable to speak the language of day-to-day business.

But there is no "expectation to integrate" as a requirement either...

Not explicitly, but it is generally accepted taht naturalisation and intergration are part of one and the same process. Well at least that is my take on it. Sure, why bother taking a Naturalisation oath if you only intend to remain within your own immigrant community and never mix with Irish people at all? Makes no sense IMO.

[jc]

Not explicitly, but it is generally accepted taht naturalisation and intergration are part of one and the same process.

In which case, it should surely also be generally accepted that naturalisation and the learning of teh language are part of one and the same process???

Sure, why bother taking a Naturalisation oath if you only intend to remain within your own immigrant community and never mix with Irish people at all? Makes no sense IMO.

And one could say the same about learning the local language - it would equalyl make no sense to take the oath if you had no intention to learn English/Irish.

So, if there's no need to explicitly require integration, because its understood to be implied, then there's equally no need to require learning the language.

[FutureTaoiseach]

I agree we need to introduce punishments including losing citizenship if the takers of the Oath break it. We need legislation to better define the rights and obligations of citizenship. I think the oath should be broadened to including accepting democracy.

[geraghd]

I agree we need to introduce punishments including losing citizenship if the takers of the Oath break it. We need legislation to better define the rights and obligations of citizenship. I think the oath should be broadened to including accepting democracy.

Would that not be covered by loyalty to the State?

[FutureTaoiseach]

I agree we need to introduce punishments including losing citizenship if the takers of the Oath break it. We need legislation to better define the rights and obligations of citizenship. I think the oath should be broadened to including accepting democracy.

Would that not be covered by loyalty to the State?

Well it needs to be mentioned just to be sure.

[A_man_about_a_dog]

Sure, why bother taking a Naturalisation oath if you only intend to remain within your own immigrant community and never mix with Irish people at all? Makes no sense IMO.

And one could say the same about learning the local language - it would equalyl make no sense to take the oath if you had no intention to learn English/Irish..

You could always make the oath a requirement for non-EU immigrants and then explicitly add in the clauses which states a requiremnt for a standard competency level in the English language which will aid and benefit the applicants integration into society.

So, if there's no need to explicitly require integration, because its understood to be implied, then there's equally no need to require learning the language.

Like I said, legislate for it within a revised version of the Oath.