Vol. 512 No. 3
282 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the application for naturalisation by an Iraqi national (details supplied) has been refused while those of her husband and three children have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25974/99]
The position is that the person referred to applied for a certificate of naturalisation in April 1997. The application was processed based on the person's individual circumstances and I decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation at that time. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended in 1986 provides that the granting of a certificate of naturalisation is at my absolute discretion and it is not policy, therefore, to disclose the reasons for refusal in an individual case.
A fresh application was received in this office on 2 June 1999 and this case is being processed. As soon as full consideration has been given to the application I will advise both the applicant and the Deputy of my decision.
283 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the naturalisation application by a person (details supplied) submitted to his Department 18 months ago; the average time taken for processing these applications; if the time taken in this case is above average; if so, the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25975/99]
An application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was submitted to my Department in June 1998.
Due to the various procedures involved in processing an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of a person of full age along with the high number of applications being received, the average time taken is approximately 18 months. It is likely that this case will be completed early next year.
As soon as full consideration has been given to the case, I will advise both the applicant and the Deputy of my decision.
