Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the introduction of an English language test for applicants for long term residency citizenship will be introduced on an [i]ad hoc [/i]basis or if the Government will put in place the structures necessary beforehand and then introduce the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26632/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I have previously indicated my intention to review current citizenship requirements and, in particular, to consider the introduction of a language test for citizenship purposes. The use of language tests for immigration purposes is not a novel proposal; many countries use language tests in determining eligibility for citizenship.

The possibility of introducing a language test for the purpose of determining eligibility for long term residence was adverted to under the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2007. Section 34 of the published Bill provided a number of standard eligibility requirements for long term residence and allowed for the introduction of further eligibility requirements including a requirement that the person can demonstrate a reasonable competence for communicating in the Irish or English language. As the Deputy may be aware, the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill was not restored to the Order Paper of Seanad Éireann following the recent General Election. However, it is my intention to bring forward a proposal to Government seeking approval for the publication of a new Bill, incorporating the substance of the published Bill, during this Session.

Irish citizenship a great privilege. It is not something to be taken lightly. It cannot just be a matter of clocking up the necessary number of months of residence. On the contrary, it should be seen as a major and mutual commitment by the prospective citizen and the State. It is entirely appropriate in those circumstances that the State should require that the applicant demonstrate a real commitment to the nation and a capacity to communicate with their future fellow citizens and that the applicant should have acquired that capacity during the qualifying period.

Having regard to the fact that my proposals in relation to language tests remain under development I believe it is premature at this stage to detail the manner in which any such requirements may be introduced. Clearly however there are significant logistical issues as regards operating a testing regime and these would be explored in advance of any proposal to introduce such a test.

However, I understand that a range of strategic studies geared to informing policy development in the integration area are ongoing. These include studies on interpretation and translation and English language provision. The review of English Language Provision is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department of Education and Science who have commissioned an independent review to assist in the development of a national English language training policy and framework for legally resident adult newcomers. The review report is due early in 2008.