Rugby star Bundee Aki is among the 3,600 people who became Irish citizens on Monday, September 16.Ireland Department of Justice

Applicants from 143 countries living in the 32 counties on the island of Ireland are being conferred Irish citizenship across three ceremonies at the Convention Centre Dublin today, Monday, September 16.

The country with the highest number of applicants for this round of Irish citizenship ceremonies is India (502), followed by the UK (338), and Brazil (293). The US rounded out the top ten with 94 applicants.

Including today, September 16, the total number of ceremonies held so far this year is 17, with a total of 11,417 people attending and being conferred with Irish citizenship. Further ceremonies are being planned for later in the year.

To date, approximately 180,000 people have received Irish citizenship since 2011 when the citizenship ceremonies were introduced. 

The Presiding Officer at the ceremonies on Monday is retired Justice Paddy McMahon, who is administering the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State.

“The new Irish citizens will undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values,” Ireland's Department of Justice said on Monday.

“New Irish citizens are contributing to a diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing a range of skills and talents that enhance the overall capabilities of the labour market and economy.”

Minister Helen McEntee, Minister Joe O’Brien, and Minister Neale Richmond are attending Monday's citizenship ceremonies. 

Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister McEntee said: "Today, at the Convention Centre Dublin, thousands of people will undertake a life-changing journey and become an Irish Citizen.

"Having had the privilege of attending many Citizenship ceremonies, it fills me with joy being able to share this special day with so many people.

"I would like to congratulate all our new citizens and wholeheartedly thank them for their contribution and commitment to Irish society. I have no doubt that they will continue to contribute to making Ireland a more diverse and vibrant place to live."

Speaking ahead of the first Ceremony today, Minister O’Brien said: "As Minister with responsibility for Integration, one of my key goals is to enhance inclusion and ensure equity for migrants.

"I would like to thank all of our new citizens for choosing Ireland as their home, and for contributing so much to our nation.

"It is an honour to attend today’s ceremony and to welcome our new Irish citizens."

Minister Richmond, ahead of today’s ceremonies, said: "It is a privilege to attend today’s ceremonies and witness this wonderful event.

"I know the value that migration has brought to Ireland, the integral role that it plays in the development and sustainability of our economy. We could not fill pivotal roles without this contribution.

"I would like to wish all of our new citizens well on this new chapter in their lives."

Read more

Among the many people being conferred Irish citizenship today is rugby star Bundee Aki, a native of New Zealand who moved to Ireland after he signed for Connacht in April 2014. After a three-year residency period in Ireland, he qualified to play for the national rugby team. He and his family are now based in Co Galway.

"I have nothing to complain about here," Aki said on Monday.

"Love the people, love the culture, I get along with a lot of them around here in Ireland.

"Every time I go somewhere, me and my family, people are so welcoming, people are so lovely. We feel like we're at home at the moment.

“Wherever we go, every time we get back, we say, ‘It’s nice to be back home.'"