James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the backlog, I fully appreciate applicants for citizenship wish to have their decision made as quickly as possible and without any delay. There certainly has been a backlog but it is one we are working through as quickly as possible. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that for a broad range of reasons some cases take longer than others to process. In some cases, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time. However, it is important to note that the current backlog in citizenship application processing has arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic and the recent increase in applications. It is expected almost 20,000 applications will be received this year, up almost 20% on last year and significantly up on recent years. The median processing time for applications is 19 months, which is not good enough. The efficiency measures I mentioned are intended to achieve a significant reduction in this timeline. This will be monitored and managed closely.

I do not have the exact figures on staffing but this is being given priority within the Department. In terms of staffing and in the terms of digitisation and other changes in processes, we are trying to speed this process up as quickly as possible.

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