Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's comments and I am glad that some progress is being made. Everyone accepts that the 1956 legislation is completely outdated. There is nothing to prohibit someone who does not have a word of English and no understanding of Irish culture, society or the voting system being granted citizenship in this country. The changes taking place in respect of residency are creating anomalies. The changes to the residency fees made this summer mean that the only difference between long-term residency and citizenship in this country is €450 and a one month waiting period. This means that citizenship is a meaningless system in this country. In light of the changes proposed in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill it will be more difficult to get long-term residency than citizenship. What is the timeline for delivering these reforms? What should be the timeline for the processing of citizenship and residency applications?

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