Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if being in receipt of a contributory social welfare payment in the three years prior to an application or during the protracted processing time, will have an impact on the determination of an application by a person for citizenship; if a similar situation arises where the applicant is an adult dependent in receipt of an adult dependent allowance; the impact of claiming mortgage interest relief or rent allowance on such applications; if he will provide a mechanism to refund such payments to the State; if a similar situation arises in the case of long term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29245/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, 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. 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.

Currently there is no social welfare check performed on applicants for Long Term Residency. Therefore, any social welfare claims are not taken into consideration when deciding an application.