Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Written Answers. - Naturalisation Process.

Tom Enright

Question:

144 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the long delay being experienced by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who has been endeavouring to obtain Irish nationalisation status for four years; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has been a student in Ireland for approximately 16.5 years, having successfully completed his studies in Ireland and in London; his views on the fact that no decision has been obtained in this case given that this person has furnished full detailed comprehensive information to his Department and I have written to the Department of Foreign Affairs and to the Minister's Department and communicated with them on a continuous regular basis since March 1998. [17637/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As I indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 190 from Deputy Charles Flanagan on 7 June 2000, I expect to be in a position to advise the applicant of my decision very shortly.

The procedures involved in processing an application for naturalisation include the examination and verification of various documents submitted, conducting inquiries regarding work permits, tax affairs etc. and requesting a report from the Garda in relation to an applicant's character and that of his or her named referees. This application was received in my Department in December 1996 and the aforementioned procedures were initiated. On considering the case with a view to making a submission to me, my Department felt that it was necessary to clarify one point in respect of the application. This matter was subsequently raised and was resolved satisfactorily in October 1999.

While I appreciate that there appears to have been a long delay in processing this application, I should stress that the decision to naturalise a person is a very serious matter and, as the various procedures involved in the process are quite lengthy, delays are not uncommon.