Vol. 503 No. 6
233 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing a post-nuptial naturalisation application for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in view of the fact the application was first lodged in January 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10714/99]
To answer the Deputy's question, it is necessary for me to explain the administrative procedures in relation to post-nuptial applications. Applications for post-nuptial citizenship by persons living in Ireland are dealt with exclusively by my Department while applications made by persons living abroad are processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs through its embassies and consular offices. When that processing is completed, the applications are forwarded to my Department for issue of certificates of citizenship.
The application in question was received by the Irish Embassy in London in May 1998. It was passed to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 29 January 1999 when it was learnt that the applicant and his wife had moved to Dublin in December 1998. The papers were received in my Department on 7 April last.
Officials in the immigration and citizenship division of my Department have advised the person referred to that some documentation in support of the declaration is required. When this is received, and deemed to be in order, it should be possible to issue a certificate of citizenship to the person concerned.
I will advise the Deputy when the matter is finalised.
