Irish citizens Gaeilge English test

Irish Citizenship to involve language test
Immigrants who want to become Irish citizens will have to reach a minimum standard in English under legislation to be published next month.
The introduction of a language test for citizenship under which applicants must demonstrate "reasonable competence" for communicating in English or Irish.

Currently any migrant can apply for citizenship if they have been living here for five years. There is no language requirement, although applicants must be of "good character" and pledge fidelity to the State.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan says citizenship should not just be a matter of "clocking up the necessary number of months for residence". Instead, he argues that citizenship applicants should have the ability to communicate with their prospective fellow citizens.
Mr Lenihan says there are significant logistical issues which remain to be addressed, such as how the testing regime will operate.

Officials are awaiting a Government-commissioned study on the capacity of the education system for teaching English to foreign nationals, as well as a new national training policy, before publishing detailed proposals about the tests.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland have called on authorities to make sure there is sufficient capacity in the education system for teaching English. John Cunningham, council chairman said: "If the Government were to make competency in English a requirement for long-term residency or citizenship, it has an obligation to ensure there are enough courses available to allow migrants with limited language skills the opportunity to learn."
The group suggest the Government should establish a central agency to tender for the required language courses - from basic English through to learning more about Irish society.
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Irish citizens Gaeilge English test