Written answers

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Citizenship Applications

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat DeeringPat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 704: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions available to him to fast-track decisions for naturalisation applicants, some of whom applied more than two years ago. [24121/11]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In June of this year I 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, 24 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, other than in exceptional circumstances, that people applying for citizenship will be given a decision on their application within six months.

Significant progress has already made towards meeting this objective. Since I came to office, I have made decisions on some 11,500 naturalisation applications. By the end of September, I will have issued over 8,000 certificates of naturalisation. During the corresponding period in 2010, a total of 4,200 decisions were made with 3,600 certificates of naturalisation issued. In addition, I have also introduced citizenship ceremonies at which candidates for citizenship make their declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State and receive their certificate of naturalisation in a more meaningful and dignified manner. Steps are being taken to recruit an initial ten interns through the JobBridge National Internship Scheme to the citizenship section to afford them meaningful work experience and to assist in addressing the backlog that built up during the term of office of the previous Government. It is hoped ultimately to recruit a total of 30 interns to the section. Some 64 applications have been received. The citizenship division has commenced the selection process including short listing applicants. It is anticipated that the first group of interns will commence work by mid-October.

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