asked the Minister for Justice the criteria used in assessing applications to the aliens section in his Department in respect of visas, naturalisation applications, and other matters; if these criteria are printed and publicly available; if they can be laid in the Oireachtas Library; if they are totally arbitrary; the system of accountability in this respect; and the length of time consideration of such applications takes.
Written Answers. - Applications for Naturalisation.
24.
Limerick East): All applications for naturalisation by persons who are legally qualified are decided personally by the Minister for Justice who applies the criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956. The time taken varies considerably in accordance with the circumstances since the statutory criteria, for example, in relation to character, necessitate inquiries through the gardaí.
Visas are required only by nationals of certain States specified in regulations made under the Aliens Act, 1935. Applications are dealt with in accordance with the criteria laid down in the Act and Regulations which, of course, are published and also in accordance with court decisions which bear on these provisions. Visa applications because of their nature are dealt with quickly normally taking between seven and ten days. In either case there is no question of arbitrariness.
25.
asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals to make changes in existing legislation in order to bring about a situation where there is no differentiation between male and female applicants married to Irish citizens when assessing their eligibility for naturalisation.
Limerick East): Proposals for amendment of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 will be put before the Dáil in the near future. The Deputy will appreciate that I could not go into detail until the matter is before the House.