Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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650. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current policy in relation to the making of decisions on applications for Irish residency from Latvian persons who hold Latvian alien passports but who have been living here for many years; the extent to which he uses his discretion to grant residency to applicants who hold passports of this nature; if, in view of the unusual nature of Latvian alien passports, that this situation is taken into account by the Irish authorities when a holder of such a passport applies for Irish naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26984/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There is no special or separate policy in place as regards holders of Latvian Alien Passports who wish to be considered for naturalisation or are seeking residence. These persons are treated in the same way as any non-EEA national who applies for residence/naturalisation and such applications are considered on an individual basis taking into account the varying circumstances that pertain. As in all applications for residence or naturalisation, decisions are based on a case by case basis having considered all the relevant factors. Over the years a number of such persons have become naturalised, while others have obtained residence and registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind he should contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service with the necessary details and the case will be examined by my officials.