Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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910. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 640 of 7 July 2020, the timeline for the commencement of virtual citizenship ceremonies in view of the recent completion of a successful trial of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21558/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The pilot virtual Citizenship Ceremony that took place on 10 July 2020, involved 21 applicants. As I indicated at that time, a review was underway and consideration of that review is now in its final stages.

As I have said previously, a critical consideration is the protection of the welfare and safety of the participants and the general public. It is also essential that any arrangements put in place ensure that the event is held with an appropriate degree of dignity and solemnity, as befits an event of such importance in the lives of our newest citizens. At this same time, it is not desirable for extended delays to become a feature of the system, while having regard to the practical aspects of the citizenship process. As a consequence, a critical aspect of the review concerns the ability to provide a scalable solution. The ceremony model will need to be able to meet the requirements of applicants and my Department for an as yet indeterminate period of time. My intention is to make a decision as to how to proceed shortly.

It remains my intention that large scale ceremonies will recommence once circumstances allow.