Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. The average processing time for applications has been in the region of 19 months in recent times; the median processing time is not readily calculable based on current records.

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.

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 eVetting and online payments.

In October, my Department moved from paper based applications to online forms for all new adult applications going forward. Online applications will make the process easier for customers, allowing them to easily fill in the relevant forms, upload the required documents, make payments and submit. The forms will provide a seamless application process and will help guide applicants through what is required for an application.

The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.

Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to communicate regularly with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of their application.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Both of the naturalisation applications from the people referred to by the Deputy were approved on 14 December 2022.

However, the approval letter that issued requested that a final payment in respect of the Certificate fee and that further documentation be supplied were made and these remain outstanding from the people concerned.

Once the Citizenship Division of my Department has received these documents and the required payment processing of the application can be completed and an invitation to attend a Citizenship Ceremony issued.

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.