Citizenship Applications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (586)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

598 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the website of the British Home Office which states that the processing time for naturalisation applications is 5.27 months, as opposed to the waiting list of more than two years here; if he will liaise with the British authorities to determine the way in which they are able to process their applications so quickly, with a view to achieving a similar level of efficiency here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26141/06]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As part of the ongoing review of procedures in the Citizenship section of my Department, my officials have already commenced a process of examining the regimes in place in various jurisdictions, including the UK, with a view to applying best practices to our system where possible. Such an examination will, of course, have to have regard to the different legislative processes that exist in the various jurisdictions including the need to maintain the integrity of the Irish naturalisation process.

Question No. 599 answered with QuestionNo. 582.