Applications for a certificate of naturalisation are considered under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The applicant must fulfil certain Statutory requirements, including requirements in relation to residency. However, I am empowered to dispense with the statutory conditions in whole or in part in certain circumstances — for example where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish Associations. Every such application is decided upon its individual circumstances and in accordance with the law. Officials in my Department prepare a comprehensive submission to me in respect of each application for naturalisation. This submission addresses any claims for the exercise of my discretion and I decide whether to grant naturalisation based on my evaluation of the merits of the entire case as presented to me.