Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor. I assume she is taking this on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality. I know she cannot comment on specific cases, which is a given. However, I would like her to clarify, as best she can, what people should do when they find themselves in a situation such as the one I am about to outline.

A constituent of mine had his application for naturalisation rejected in April of this year. His application, which he made in October 2016, was refused as a result of a motoring offence conviction. In the letter of rejection sent to him, it was stated, and this is the important part, "The onus is on each applicant to disclose in their application all appropriate information and evidence to help demonstrate that he or she satisfies the conditions for a certificate of naturalisation, including being of good character." This individual applied for naturalisation on 27 October 2016. His motoring conviction occurred on 23 March 2017.Therefore, he could not have notified the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, of his conviction at the time of application, as it did not exist. How can the INIS expect a person to inform it of a conviction that has not yet happened?

This person, having lived in Cavan town for many years, was hoping to purchase a home and settle down with his family permanently. Naturally, he was awaiting the outcome of his application prior to purchasing a home. It has taken more than a year and a half for him to get this decision on his application. As the Minister of State can imagine, he is most disappointed.

I do not want to make light of any conviction, no matter how minor it may be. This individual is known to me personally. He is a responsible and valued doctor in Cavan town, a man of integrity and, most certainly, good character. I am only too happy to provide references in that respect if necessary. I understand that he has submitted another application, in which he has outlined his motoring conviction and that he paid the €300 fine that accompanied it without delay. Will the Minister of State advise me and any person who finds himself or herself in this situation as to the next steps? Currently, there is no appeal process.