Vol. 566 No. 1
667 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be dealt with, in view of the fact that this person will be unable to secure employment until same is finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12097/03]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in my Department on 7 November 2002 from the person referred to by the Deputy. The average processing time of such applications is approximately 15 months at present and, consequently, it is likely that the application will be finalised in early 2004. As soon as I have reached a decision on the matter, both the applicant and the Deputy will be informed.
