Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the individuals referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in December 2005 and February 2006 respectively. Officials in that section inform me that processing of the application of the first-named person has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me in the near future for a decision.
In relation to the second-named person, the average processing time for applications for naturalisation for adults is approximately 30 months. However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. It is likely, therefore, that the application will be finalised by the end of the year. I will inform the Deputy and the individual's concerned when I have made a decision on the applications.