Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8536/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by officials in the Citizenship section of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand that the person in question applied for long term residency in June 2006. I have been informed that applications received in May 2006 are currently being examined.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an English citizen is entitled to apply for dual citizenship to enable them to vote in all elections here. [8548/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It is open to any non-national to apply for a certificate of naturalisation if he or she satisfies the statutory criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if he is satisfied that certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. Those conditions include having a period of residence in the State and being of good character. Further information and the necessary application forms for naturalisation may be obtained from my Department's website (www.justice.ie) or by telephoning the Citizenship Section helpline on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 10:00am to 12:30pm at Lo-call 1890 551 500 or (01) 6167700.

I should point out that British citizens already have certain voting rights in the State. However, all matters pertaining to the entitlement to vote and the electoral system are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Further information regarding voting entitlements can be obtained by telephoning that Department on 01-8882421 or consulting their website at www.environ.ie.