Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants for naturalisation in each of the past ten years; the number of applications granted in each of the past ten years; the average length of time awaiting decision in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18756/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that in the period 2001 to 2010 some 96,536 applications for naturalisation were received by my Department and in the same period 23,728 certificates of naturalisation were issued. I should make the point that over 50,000 applications have been lodged in the past two years many of which are currently being processed.

The compilation of data relating to the average processing time for applications for each of the past ten years would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where all available resources are being directed towards dealing with the existing backlog of naturalisation applications.

In that context, I can inform the Deputy that I recently announced a series of measures within my Department to provide for speedier processing of citizenship applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. 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. These measures are targeted at clearing the backlog of applications awaiting a decision in excess of six months by spring of next year and from that time on the aim is, save in exceptional circumstances, that persons applying for citizenship will be given a decision on their application within six months.

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.