The statutory declaration process established on 18 January replaces the requirement for citizenship applicants to attend citizenship ceremonies, which have been temporarily suspended during Covid-19.

A further 1,159 people have returned their signed statutory declarations and will receive their certificates of naturalisation in the coming weeks.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “This is fantastic news for the people involved and demonstrates clearly that the process is working.

“Impressively, this has been delivered during the highest level of Covid restrictions, reflecting our commitment to ensuring eligible people receive their Irish citizenship as soon as possible.”

The minister also announced that the statutory declaration process will now be extended to a further 2,500 people.

“By the end of June, 6,500 people will have been given the opportunity to complete their Irish citizenship,” she said.

Processing times are also expected to improve following the introduction of “eVetting” this week, replacing the manual Garda vetting process.

People who received a certificate of naturalisation this year will shortly be contacted and invited to an “online celebratory event” taking place at the end of April.