Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2004
331 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the case of a person (details supplied) who has applied for naturalisation will be expedited to allow time for their passport to issue. [16533/04]
View answerA declaration of post-nuptial citizenship was lodged very recently at the Irish Embassy in the Hague by the person referred to in the Deputy's question. The processing of such declarations by persons resident outside of the island of Ireland is done by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The process involves an examination of the declaration by officials in both the embassy where it is lodged and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. If it is found to be in order, it is passed to my Department for the issue of a formal certificate of Irish citizenship. The length of time this process takes depends on several factors, including whether the correct documentation has been supplied. I will let the Deputy know when the process has been completed. It is open to the person concerned to apply at any time for a visa to enter the State as the spouse of an Irish citizen. Officials at the Irish Embassy in the Hague will be able to assist her in this regard.
