Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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508. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when his Department took the decision to outsource the printing of certificates of naturalisation; and the reason this decision was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64731/25]

Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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509. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for delays in receiving certificates of naturalisation following ceremonies; if the decision to outsource the printing of certificates is leading to a delay in individuals receiving their certificates within the recommended timeframes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64732/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 509 together.

I can inform the Deputy that the process of outsourcing the printing of naturalisation certificates was first introduced for the Citizenship ceremonies hosted in February 2024.

By not issuing certificates on the day of the ceremonies, my Department has been able to simplify the administrative steps required to be completed on the day. This in turn has made it possible to significantly increase the number of attendees on any day of ceremonies, and to reduce the time it takes for people to complete the naturalisation process.

All certificates of naturalisation for attendees of a citizenship ceremony are issued via registered post. Applicants can expect to receive their certificate within around a month of the date of the ceremony. These steps are part of an overall programme of work to speed up the naturalisation process for applicants. This includes introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.

My Department held 24 citizenship ceremonies last year, an increase from 15 held in 2023, and 6 in 2022. My Department has already held 19 ceremonies this year with six more ceremonies planned for December.

In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023 and more than 31,000 decisions in 2024.

My Department is doing everything possible to ensure that new citizens receive their certificates as soon as possible.