Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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189. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for naturalisation being processed; the number that are over 24 months in process since the application was first submitted; if his Department sets targets for the processing time of applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34387/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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There are approximately 21,300 citizenship applications on hand in my Department at various stages of processing within the system, ranging from those just received, to those where a decision has been made but where it has not been possible to hold a ceremony. 5,378 of these applications are over 24 months in process since the application was first submitted. Over 80% of these applications were received in the preceding 24 months. Older cases are complex in nature, may be subject to judicial review and/or continue to be active for a range of reasons.

In general, the current target is that it should take around 12 months for a standard application to be processed from the date it is received to the date a decision is made. However, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks, including security checks can take a considerable period of time with the result in some applications taking longer than the average timescale.

Processing timescales can be impacted by incomplete applications having to be returned; further documentation being required from the applicant; where the payment of the required certificate fee is awaited; or if the applicant has not been engaging with the Immigration Service of my Department. In some instances, the input of several government agencies, both within and outside the jurisdiction is needed and the request and receipt of information from these sources can result in delays in processing some applications. Issues can also arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example, where additional information comes to light which is required to be considered before a final decision is taken.

Additionally a number of issues have impacted on the processing of citizenship applications over the past 12 months. A High Court case which was subsequently successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal resulted in significant delays last year. This has been compounded by the COVID-19 restrictions which have impacted the delivery of normal services to date this year. The combined impact of the Jones judgement and the COVID-19 disruption has resulted in the loss of over six months processing time. As a result, the processing timeline for standard applications has increased to 12 months.

My Department is working on various solutions to process the existing caseload on hand, including the enhanced website which provides perspective applicants with greater information than before, the roll-out earlier this year of the e-payments facility, along with a range of other ICT solutions which are been progressed. Moving to e-tax clearance and e-Vetting will also support speedier processing going forward. The situation continues to be monitored in order to improve service to our customers.

COVID-19 has unfortunately prevented the holding of our large scale citizenship ceremonies which is impacting the processing of applications. I have recently given approval for the priority drafting of a statutory instrument covering applicants who are 'ceremony ready' where my Department will issue the naturalisation certificate on receipt of a statutory declaration. In this way, we hope to alleviate the delays currently impacting those seeking to start their new lives as Irish citizens. This will enable approximately 3,000 applicants to be granted citizenship in the near future. It remains my intention that large scale ceremonies will recommence once circumstances allow.