James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank Deputy Stanton for raising this important matter. I do not have figures on how many, if any, scheme participants have applied for naturalisation but will endeavour to get them for the Deputy. It is important that we make those people aware that they can apply for naturalisation and that the period under a stamp 1 permit is reckonable, which they may not know. I will engage with the Minister of State, Deputy English, on this matter to see what, if any, solutions can be found. As I said, without a working permit, it will not be possible for people to move onto a stamp 4 permit but I will engage with the Minister of State on that and raise Deputy Stanton's concerns with him.

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