The Good Friday Agreement Citizenship: Understanding the Rights and Benefits
The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed in 1998 and put an end to The Troubles – a period of political violence in Northern Ireland. It is an international agreement between the UK and Ireland, with the support of the political parties in Northern Ireland.
One of the key provisions of the Good Friday Agreement is the recognition of the birthright of all people in Northern Ireland to identify themselves as Irish, British, or both. This means that those born in Northern Ireland have the right to hold both Irish and British citizenship, or to choose one over the other.
For those who choose to hold Irish citizenship, the benefits are numerous. Irish citizens have the right to vote in Irish national and local elections, the right to apply for an Irish passport, the right to live and work in any EU member state, and access to Irish consular assistance when traveling abroad.
In addition, Irish citizenship is also a gateway to EU citizenship. This is particularly relevant given the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s departure from the EU. By holding Irish citizenship, individuals living in Northern Ireland can continue to enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, including freedom of movement and access to healthcare, education, and other social services across the EU.
The Good Friday Agreement also recognizes the right of those born in Northern Ireland to identify as British. As British citizens, they have the right to live and work in the UK, access to British consular assistance abroad, and the right to vote in national and local UK elections.
However, it should be noted that holding British citizenship does not provide access to the benefits of EU citizenship, unless the individual has other citizenship or residency rights within the EU.
Overall, the Good Friday Agreement’s recognition of the birthright to identify as Irish, British, or both, allows individuals in Northern Ireland to access the benefits of both Irish and British citizenship. This is particularly relevant given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the future relationship between the UK and EU.
By holding Irish citizenship, individuals in Northern Ireland can continue to enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship and maintain their connections to the wider European community. It is important to understand these rights and benefits, particularly given the potential impact of Brexit on citizenship and residency rights in Northern Ireland.