Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Citizenship Applications

9:00 pm

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 614: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis for the refusal of the 509 applications for naturalisation in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The compilation of statistics relating to refusals would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources. However, I advise the Deputy that the majority of the applications that are refused are as a result of failure to meet residency and/or good character requirements or a failure to be self-supporting.

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 615: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis for the refusal of the 1,867 applications for naturalisation in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3250/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The compilation of statistics relating to refusals would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources. However, I advise the Deputy that the majority of the applications that are refused are as a result of failure to meet residency and/or good character requirements or a failure to be self-supporting.

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 616: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it takes, on average, to assess an application for naturalisation or long-term residency; if he is satisfied with this time frame; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3251/08]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 617: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has a target timeframe for making a decision on the assessment of applications for naturalisation and long-term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3252/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 617 together.

The current processing times for applications for certificates of naturalisation and long-term residency are 30 months and 18 months respectively. The procedures involved in the naturalisation and long-term residency processes have been developed and refined over a number of years. I am satisfied they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the processes. Consequently, having regard to the resources available, which are kept under constant review, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing times that can be achieved. However, I am aware that the existing waiting times are excessive and accordingly, I have instructed my officials to undertake a review of the various processes so they may be streamlined further where possible.

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 618: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant naturalisation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3253/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in my Department's citizenship section in October 2006. Officials in the section are processing applications received in the middle of 2005 and have approximately 7,600 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. Such applications are generally dealt with in chronological order, as this is deemed to be the fairest approach for all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when a decision is reached in the case.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 619: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be supported. [3261/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 175 of 22 November 2007. The position remains as stated.

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