Applications for naturalisation from the persons in question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 21 January 2005.
While both persons are recognized refugees, the second-named person did not satisfy the residency requirement as set out in Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 as amended. I will normally waive two years of the statutory residency requirement in cases where it is appropriate to consider applications under the provisions of Section 16 of the above-mentioned Act. However, the second-named applicant was not resident in the State for three years at the time he applied for naturalisation and I decided to refuse his application at that time. His solicitor was advised of this on 19 October 2005.
In the case of the first-named person, who satisfied the residency requirements at time of application, processing of her claim is continuing and I understand that the file will be presented to me shortly for a decision. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision.