Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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169. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if cases for naturalisation of a minor are quicker in the event that both parents have become Irish citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35504/23]

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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186. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current timeline in relation to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for the processing of applications in respect of minors; the number of minor applications currently pending; and a breakdown of the length of time since pending applications were received in the following bands: less than 12 months, one to two years, and three years or more, in tabular form. [34742/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 186 together.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

There are however significant changes underway as the Division examines how it can become more efficient. One of the improvements that has become visible recently has been the reduction in wait times for files to be registered. Last year it took on average about 7 months for a file to be acknowledged. This year it is done in a matter of weeks. A related improvement is that Garda vetting is now carried out earlier in the naturalisation process to help improve processing efficiency.

The median processing time for Citizenship applications is 19 months however, the median processing time for minor applications currently stands at 9 months.

The number of minor applications currently at hand as of 11 JulyI am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. My Department is aware that delays in processing times are frustrating and disruptive for applicants, and we are working hard to improve the position. 2023 is 5,077. I can further advise you that approximately 3,500 of the applications on hand have in fact received a positive decision and are now just awaiting processing of their final payment.

Another approximately 550 have been corresponded with in order to obtain further information and/or documentation to facilitate processing of the file. I have provided the requested stats in the below table and they should be read alongside the above information as to decisions issued to this group.

This year 6,061 citizenship certificates have been issued to newly certificated Irish nationals, including 1,295 minors.

There are ongoing developments and improvements being made to the citizenship application process to help make it more efficient and reduce the amount of time it takes. Significant reforms have been introduced for customers to streamline the number of proofs required to establish their identity and residency as part of the application process. A new scorecard was also introduced to help applicants to complete their applications, and a new eVetting mechanism has been put in place.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 recently passed all stages in the Oireachtas and was signed into law by the President on 5 July. The Act makes a number of amendments to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 Act relating to naturalisation of children born in the State.

Section 8 sets out a clear and specific procedure that will apply where a citizenship application is made for a child. It reduces from five to three the number of years residence required for a child born in the State to become eligible for citizenship by naturalisation. This will allow children who are currently on a pathway to Irish citizenship to obtain that status at an earlier stage. It is hoped that the relevant provisions can be commenced as soon as possible.

Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to regularly communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of their application.