Publication of new Irish citizens’ names to be suspended

Since 2011, the names and full addresses of new Irish citizens has been published in the official gazette of the Government of Ireland.

The Irish Times reports that the Department of Justice has decided the publication should be “put on hold pending the outcome of a review of the legal requirement to publish the details”.

It follows criticism from migrant rights groups who have suggested the publication is a violation of privacy.

In a statement, the Department said: “The grant of naturalisation is seen as a public act where it is considered that disclosure is in the public interest.

“It is, after all, granting something very valuable at the Minister’s absolute discretion and the exercise of that discretion should be fully transparent.”

The already published lists have now been rendered unsearchable.