Written answers

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Department of Justice and Equality

Naturalisation Applications

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1031. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the termination of eligibility for citizenship status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37165/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I take it the Deputy intends to refer to "a determination of eligibility for citizenship". I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that valid applications for certificates of naturalisation have been received from the individuals referred to by the Deputy. As the Deputy will appreciate, 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. While cases are generally now processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time. These applications are being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.