Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied); the reason the November 2005 target date provided in response to Parliamentary Question No. 669 of 12 April 2005 for the processing of this application was missed by his Department; and if he will arrange for the application to be processed as soon as possible. [2706/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In my response to the Deputy's question on 12 April 2005, I informed her that the average processing time for applications for naturalisation was 24 months and based on that, the application of the person concerned was likely to be finalised circa November 2005.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the above timeframes are given as a guide only and it is not possible to be accurate as to when applications will ultimately be finalised. The finalisation of applications is contingent on all documentation being available and in order. In the case of the person referred to, information was sought by my officials on 17 October 2005. Some information and documentation was provided on 24 October, but it was necessary to write to the person concerned again on 12 December to obtain other outstanding documentation. The balance of the documentation was submitted on 14 December.

I understand that processing of the application of the person concerned is now finalised and that it will be submitted to me within the next week. I will advise both the applicant and the Deputy of my decision in the matter shortly thereafter.