Anti-immigrant sentiment in Ireland has increased alongside concerns about the cost of living, public services and migrant integration. Against this backdrop, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is considering changes to the requirements for naturalisation. People applying for citizenship may be required to demonstrate language proficiency as part of the naturalisation process.

Under the proposed reforms, applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language. This could have consequences for the provision of classes teaching English for speakers of other languages (known as ESOL) in Ireland.

ESOL classes in Ireland have primarily supported integration, participation and access to employment. There were more than 36,900 non-national learners enrolled in 2024, and 4,572 ESOL courses delivered in the first 11 months of 2025.

If language skills become a condition of citizenship, the level of English required will need to be determined. There are also questions about who will provide the education and support needed to meet this requirement. This change has the potential to reshape the role and purpose of ESOL significantly. Any new requirement would need investment, enough teachers and better coordination to ensure people can access the language support they need.

An already stretched system

Introducing a citizenship language........

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