Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will certainly take that recommendation on board. This is about making sure we have a streamlined process. To refer to a previous Commencement matter I addressed today, we are investing in ICT to move systems in these structures and in the Department of Justice away from what are, unfortunately, mainly paper-based systems towards an online system which would make it much easier for people to apply and which would be much easier to navigate. That will help speed up all of these processing times. A great deal of investment is being made in ICT within the Department of Justice and this will be to the benefit of those applying.It is not straightforward to apply for citizenship in any country. It is a special status that is conferred on somebody, so we need to ensure that the system is robust and anyone who applies can adhere to the guidelines, rules and regulations.

The way in which the funding is administered is kept under constant review. I will take the Senator's suggestions on board.