An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 25 July 2003.
The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. On the basis of the current average processing time, therefore, it is likely that the application of the individual concerned will be finalised in or around July 2005, as long as all the necessary supporting documentation has been provided.
The fact that a person has made an application for naturalisation does not preclude such a person from travelling outside the State. However, one of the conditions for naturalisation is that an applicant must have a period of continuous residency for one year immediately prior to the date of application and have been resident in the State for four out of the eight previous years.
Non-EEA nationals who are admitted to the State as students are entitled to work without an employment permit for limited periods.
Finally an applicant for naturalisation is not an Irish citizen — consequently such person will require permission from an immigration officer to re-enter the State.