I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 124 together.
The number of applications for post nuptial citizenship by the spouses of Irish citizens which are pending is as follows: 211 applications are pending for between six and 12 months, 73 applications are pending for between 12 months and two years and 28 applications are pending in excess of two years.
It is not possible without examining each application to determine the number of applicants for naturalisation who satisfy the residence requirements. However, the total number of naturalisation applications which are pending for the per iod requested by the Deputies are as follows: 442 applications are pending for between six and 12 months, 705 applications are pending for between 12 months and two years and 130 applications are pending in excess of two years.
The average length of time taken to finalise an application for naturalisation is currently approximately two and a half years. The average length of time taken to finalise an application by way of post nuptial declaration is approximately 13 months. While I appreciate that these timescales are lengthy, they reflect the high volume of applications received, the various procedures involved and the pressure on resources and the immigration and citizenship division of my Department.
It must also be borne in mind that the delay in some cases is due to the failure of the applicants to reply to requests for further information from my Department. As part of the recent package of measures announced by the Government in relation to increased resources for the immigration and asylum areas, significant additional staffing resources are being allocated to the immigration and citizenship division in my Department with a view, inter alia, to reducing the time involved in processing such applications and improving the service provided. These resources will impact considerably on the current delays.