Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 111: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he has decided to deny naturalisation to applicants who fulfil all the statutory criteria but have lost their employment and been forced to avail of social welfare, as a result of the economic downturn and through no fault of their own; if he will reconsider this policy at least in respect of those applicants whose work history demonstrates that they are likely to return to full-time employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24208/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. In accordance with the legislation I make decisions on naturalisation applications based on all of the information available to me. I have adopted a general policy that I will normally require an applicant for naturalisation, unless he/she is a refugee, programme refugee or Stateless person, to show that he/she has supported him or herself (and his or her family if appropriate) while residing in the State and, as far as can be determined, is in a position to continue that support into the future. I am, generally speaking, satisfied to accept that an applicant is self supporting if he or she has not availed of State support in the 3 year period prior to the date of application or subsequently has satisfied officials that they have supported themselves independently for that period.