Vol. 411 No. 4
39 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice the reason persons who are refused naturalisation cannot be informed of the reasons their applications were unsuccessful in order that they can, on appeal, address the issues involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
121 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline, in general terms, the principles upon which applications for Irish citizenship are refused.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 121 together.
In accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956 and 1986, a certificate of naturalisation is granted to an applicant at the absolute discretion of the Minister for Justice and it has always been the policy of successive Ministers for Justice not to give reasons for decisions taken in particular cases.
The question was considered by the High Court in the case of Pok Sun Shum and Denise Shum v Ireland [1986] ILRM 593 where it was held that the Minister for Justice is not obliged to give reasons an application for naturalisation is refused.
