Mr. Michael Kirrane:

In respect of citizenship applications, our aim - and what we achieve in most instances - is that straightforward cases are processed within six months. That is our target. Obviously, we have resource constraints and I have to balance those resources across the entire immigration system. It is not a matter of simply stating that I can put resources towards increasing the processing of one type of application over another. I have to balance that across the entire system.

In respect of individual cases, I am aware of a small number of cases, to which the Deputy has alluded, where the answer to the parliamentary question was that additional information came to light on the individual case. That can happen. In those circumstances, it can take a long time to follow up and investigate those type of circumstances. I cannot get into detail on individual cases and I am sure the Chairman will appreciate that. Sometimes those checks are not dependent on this jurisdiction. It may not be directly within our control in the context of what INIS does; it may be dependent on additional information from other jurisdictions.