James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to review the eligibility criteria for a citizenship application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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A general review of the framework for the acquisition of Irish citizenship is underway in my Department. This will be progressed in consultation with the Office of the Minister for Integration. Among the issues being considered as part of that exercise is the general question of whether current eligibility requirements are appropriate and also whether language and integration requirements should apply to naturalisation applications. In addition, it is necessary to take account of the proposals contained in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, particularly those regarding long-term residence.

In conducting a review of our citizenship requirements, it must be remembered that Irish citizenship is a great privilege. It cannot and should not be simply a matter of calculating periods of time in the State. On the contrary, it should be seen as a major and mutual commitment by the prospective citizen and the State. It is entirely appropriate in those circumstances that the State should require that the applicant demonstrate a real commitment to the nation. It is with this overarching principle in mind that the review is being conducted.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I accept the Minister's point that citizenship is a great honour and should be treated in that manner. As I said, however, when we debated the issue of citizenship on Committee Stage of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, there is no reliable information available to the public at the moment. It is like the third secret of Fatima, trying to find out what information is required and what criteria are being judged in considering citizenship applications. I gave the Minister one example concerning legislation that was enacted here in 2004, but which still has not been updated on the website. Is it not the case that many of the 30% of applications that are awaiting a response from the applicant could be dealt with far more expeditiously if that information was made available in the first instance? The current system is far too obscure in providing basic rules and information as to what documentation is required from a potential applicant. Is it not the case that we have people who want to contribute to our community and society, yet we are giving them the administrative two fingers as regards providing them with the criteria to be considered?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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That is not the case. Every case is different and there are different requirements in every single case. No two cases are the same. The conditions are well laid out in the legislation and are easily accessible.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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That is not true. They are not easily accessible.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ultimately, the Minister may, at his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation, provided that certain statutory conditions are met. The conditions are simple and include being of full age, good character, having a continuous one-year period of residence in the State immediately before the application, and intending in good faith to reside in the State after naturalisation. Those are the general conditions and there are more specific ones depending on what category the person falls into.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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It is causing huge problems.