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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Citizenship Applications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

497 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it takes to process applications for Irish citizenship; and the reasons for the delay in this regard. [7773/02]

In 2001 as many as 1,427 applications for naturalisation were received in the immigration and citizenship division of my Department. This represented an increase of 42% on the figure for 2000, which in turn represented an increase of 36% on the figure for 1999. The number of applications received so far in 2002 suggest that this upward trend is likely to continue.

The number of applications for post-nuptial citizenship from persons resident in Ireland remained constant in 1999 and 2000, approximately 420 per year. In 2001 a total of 531 such applications were received. This represented an increase of 26% on the 1999 and 2000 figures. In addition, my Department is responsible for finalising over 800 applications annually for post-nuptial citizenship from persons resident outside the State.

These increases in applications reflect the increase in demand for most other immigrant related services provided by my Department.

Notwithstanding the foregoing increases, the average time taken to process applications for a certificate of naturalisation and post-nuptial citizenship is 15 months and six months respectively at present. The processing time for these applications has been reduced from two and a half years and 13 months respectively at the start of 2001. The average processing times for applications has been halved in 14 months against a background of ever increasing numbers of applications. This dramatic improvement has been brought about by a combination of the assignment of additional staff resources and the streamlining of procedures.

Delays in the processing of citizenship applications often arise because applications are either incorrectly completed or incomplete despite comprehensive written instructions being included with application forms and the availability of a helpline in my Department.

Pat Carey

Question:

498 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the case for residential status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/02]

The person in question was originally granted permission to remain in the State until 27 February on the basis that she was the holder of a working holiday permit. This allows the holder to engage in casual or temporary employment during the course of a 12 month holiday in Ireland. It is not possible to extend such permits. However, she was granted permission to remain as a visitor for a further one year period on 27 February.

This type of permission to remain does not permit the holder to take up employment. If the person concerned wishes to take up employment in the State it will be necessary for her prospective employer to apply for and obtain a work permit for her. In the event that the permit is issued she can then return to the Immigration Registration Office to have the category of her permission altered accordingly.
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