asked the Minister for Justice the composition and structure of the aliens section of his Department; the number of personnel that have been assigned to work in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
42.
Written Answers. - Department of Justice Aliens Section.
26.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who are currently awaiting an outcome of their application for naturalisation under the rules and regulations as prescribed by law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
45.
asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is considerable disquiet among many nationals from third world countries, who are not citizens of the EC, and who are experiencing enormous difficulties in having their applications for residence, work permit or related affairs which are normally subject to scrutiny and administration by his Department; if he has satisfied himself that the current system of evaluation and administration is both just and efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 42 and 45 together.
The Aliens Section of my Department have an authorised establishment of: one assistant principal officer; one higher executive officer; one executive officer; one clerical officer and five clerical assistants.
In addition an assistant secretary and a principal officer devote part of their time to the work of the section. At present there is a vacancy for one clerical assistant. One temporary trainee is also assigned to work in the area.
I am not aware, and I cannot accept, that any disquiet there may be among nationals from Third World countries regarding their applications for residence permits or related affairs can be correctly attributed to the Aliens Section of my Department. That is not to say that individual applicants would not have had their applications for residence permits processed earlier if additional staff were available or that the applicants are always happy with the outcome. I am satisfied that the operations of the Aliens Section of my Department are both just and efficient within the resource constraints applicable to the public service generally.
However, I am having a study carried out of the work procedures of the Aliens Section with a view to determining the proper staffing structures for the work as well as the most appropriate procedures — including computerisation.
At present 242 applications for naturalisation are being processed.
The issuing of work permits is a matter for the Minister for Labour.