Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1277: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a police clearance certificate is required for applicants for citizenship who meet the five year residency rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2486/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that the applicant must be of good character.

This is established by carrying out enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and is a necessary stage in the processing of applications notwithstanding the fact that the applicant may fulfill the residency criteria.