Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 487: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will indicate the targeted timeframe within which naturalisation applications lodged under the new application system and the old application system will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18638/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is my intention that the backlog of citizenship applications awaiting a decision in excess of six months will be dealt with by spring of next year and from that time on, save in exceptional circumstances, persons applying for citizenship will be given a decision on their application within six months. In the processing of applications no distinction is made between applications lodged under the new arrangements and those made under the old application system.

The new arrangements include improved application forms that came into force on Friday, 24th June 2011, and are currently available online with an associated online residence checker, streamlined and accelerated procedures for certain types of application and plans to recruit interns under the new Internship Programme. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.