Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation can only be made after an application is received. There are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the category of the applicant, or any intended purpose of naturalisation.

Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is 3 years. In both cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State.

You have stated that the person has resided in the State for a period of 52 years and based on that it appears as though she may qualify. However an application for citizenship can only be assessed when an application is made and the required supporting documentation are provided and relevant checks finalised.

The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, 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.

The Immigration services website www.irishimmigration.ie is updated on an ongoing basis in relation to immigration and citizenship matters and detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms, probably a Form 8 in this instance,  and guidance notes, are available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1017. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17938/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.

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.

The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, 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.

However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1018. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department will assist a person (details supplied) who is attempting to apply for citizenship but does not meet the 150 points needed on the 'scorecard' system for assessing their identification and residence history; if his Department can furnish guidelines of what extra information is required from a person to make up the deficit in points to enable the applicant to meet the necessary threshold of 150 scorecard points; if his Department will accept a sworn affidavit; if so, what is required in a sworn affidavit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware that for some applicants the scorecard may not have adequately addressed their individual circumstances. In such cases and where the applicant has justifiable reasons for not reaching the 150 points target required, the Citizenship Division of the Department may accept a sworn affidavit, which could help the applicant make up the deficit in points to enable them to meet the necessary threshold.  

However, the affidavit will not be accepted in lieu of all appropriate proofs and supplementary documentation which will still need to be provided to support the affidavit. Where submitting an affidavit, the applicant will still be required to meet the majority of the points requirement for naturalisation with documentary proofs. 

The Citizenship Division advise all applicants to provide as much information as possible in support of their application, bearing in mind also that each application will be assessed on its own merits.

If at any stage during the application process additional information or clarification is required from an applicant, the Division will contact the applicant directly requesting same.