Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for citizenship currently on hand for persons from Sierra Leone; the average and the maximum time taken to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8748/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The number of applications for citizenship currently on hand for persons from Sierra Leone is 49. Statistics are not compiled in such a way as to provide the information requested by the Deputy. The average processing for the generality of applications is 25 months. However, processing requirements and time taken to complete necessary checks vary from case to case. I am unhappy with the length of time it takes to process citizenship applications. I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for a speedier processing of applications and to bring about a substantial reduction in the time scale. When the Department is in a position to implement these new arrangements an announcement will be made.