Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures associated with processing an application for naturalisation; if applicants are aware of the timescale involved; if they are advised of the process when they make their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36094/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The average processing time for applications for certificates of naturalisation is approximately 24 months and this is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in the last number of years. The table below shows the number of applications received in the years 2000 to date. These figures illustrate a significant upward trend. With over 5,500 applications received to date in 2006, this upward trend looks set to continue and it appears likely that some 6,500 will be received this year.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour and applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

The documentation accompanying the application form for naturalisation provides potential applicants with a general overview of the procedures and processing times, although further information can be obtained, if required, by telephoning the Citizenship Section helpline on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Lo-call 1890 551 500 or (01) 6167700.

The procedures employed to assess an applicant for naturalisation are as set out in summary form below. Upon receipt, each application is examined to determine if the statutory application is completed fully. Incomplete application forms are returned to the applicant for amendment. Valid applications are then examined to determine if the applicant meets the statutory residency criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. Passports and other documentation are examined in detail and enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau may also be necessary. Since this procedure was introduced on 1 April 2005, over 3,000 applicants who applied since that date have been found to be ineligible. All such applicants are informed of any shortfall in their residency and will be able to reapply when they have the required residency.

The next stage of the process involves assessing an applicant's financial status in respect of their ability to support themselves in the State. Enquiries with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs may be necessary in this regard. At the same time enquiries are also made with the Garda Síochána to clarify if the applicant can be deemed to be of good character. There may also be circumstances in individual cases which require a greater level of investigation than other cases. Once all enquiries are completed, the file is referred to me for a decision. The Deputy will appreciate that these processes can take a lengthy time to complete.

The above procedures have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process. Consequently, having regard to the resources currently available, which are kept under constant review, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved.