Some 15,015 applications for naturalisation were received from 1997 until the end of October 2004, of which 10,603 were received after 1 January 2002. Certificates were issued in 6,422 cases, or 42.77% of all cases and 1,075 applications, or 7.16% of the total, were refused in the same period. Some 7,518 applications, or 50.07% of the total, were outstanding at the end of October 2004. It should be noted that the numbers of certificates issued or applications refused in the aforementioned period do not necessarily refer to applications received during that same period.
Statistical information available in the citizenship section of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has always been based on the number of applications received, certificates issued and applications refused. Records are not maintained in a way that would permit the reasons for decisions to grant or refuse applications to be quantified objectively. Reasons for refusing a certificate of naturalisation include non-compliance with residency requirements, not being of good character and long-term dependency on State support.