Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Question No. 173 of 23 March 2006, and being of good character as a qualification for naturalisation, if political activity is considered to have a bearing on good character; and the kinds of political activity which would be held to constitute bad character. [14018/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if information regarding an applicant for naturalisation having participated in any political activity while residing here would have a detrimental impact on the decision whether or not to grant citizenship by naturalisation. [14019/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if applicants for naturalisation have been reported as engaging in political activity while residing here. [14020/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if applicants for naturalisation have been refused citizenship based on information that they have engaged in political activity while residing here; and the type of political activity which was involved. [14021/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 to 317, inclusive, together.

In response to Question No. 173 on 23 March 2006, I gave the Deputy a broad overview of the naturalisation process. I explained that, as part of that process, inquiries are made with the Garda Síochána to assist in determining if an applicant can be considered to be of good character. For example, if the Garda Síochána report to me that any applicant is engaged in any criminal activity, which calls into question whether he or she is a suitable candidate to be naturalised, I will obviously give serious consideration to it when I am deciding on the particular application. Factors such as the nature of the activity, when it occurred and if it resulted in criminal proceedings and a conviction will be taken into account. Statistical information is not maintained in such a way that would identify the basis for the granting or refusal of applications for naturalisation.