Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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434. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality how many citizenship applications were submitted in the period from 1 January to 31 March 2022, and how many of these applications are still awaiting decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8035/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 440 together.

I can advise the Deputy, that there were 3,729 naturalisation applications received between 01/01/22 & 31/03/2022. Of these, 2,267 have received a final decision on their application.

There are a further 339 applications where a decision has been reached but the Certificate fee and further documentation are awaited, and there are 32 applications at final decision stage.

Finally, 1,091 applications remain in progress at various stages in the naturalisation process. Of these applications; information from 483 applicants is awaited before they can proceed.

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.

I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.