'Honour' for Bundee Aki as Irish citizenship ceremonies under way

Irish rugby player Bundee Aki is among 3,600 people who are becoming citizens of Ireland at ceremonies taking place in Dublin's Convention Centre.

The 34-year-old New Zealand native has lived in the country for ten years but is joining people from almost 150 countries who have officially chosen Ireland as their home.

Three citizenship ceremonies are taking place in Dublin's Convention Centre.

Aki described becoming an Irish citizen as a privilege and an honour.

He said the official citizenship is not something he takes lightly, as he described his love for the Irish people and culture.

Aki joins almost 11,500 people who have become Irish citizens this year at 17 ceremonies.

It is an increase of six ceremonies held in 2022 due to a speeding up of processing applications in the citizens division.

Speaking at the Convention Centre, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee thanked those gathered for choosing Ireland and promised them that they will always have a home in the country.

Ms McEntee said that Ireland is a place where they are accepted, valued and cherished and where she said they will be safe and loved.