De facto /spousal - difference

[twista]

Hi All

I read the following quote on a website:" a de facto partner of an Irish citizen is not treated in the same manner as a spouse of an Irish citizen for immigration purposes,"

I understand de facto holder must pay a €300 registration GNIB fee whereas spousal visa holders are exempt, in what other ways are the two categories treated differently for immigration purposes.

Thanks

[jeupsy]

The recognition of the relashionship is not as automatic (more documents required), and also I believe the duration of the residence cards they issue might be shorter.

Another obvious on I can think of is that obviously as opposed to marriage a de facto relashionship cannot be used to obtain Irish citizenship after 3 years.