Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
389 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when persons (details supplied) in County Dublin will receive a decision on their applications for naturalisation; and if further documentation is needed in either case. [12405/12]
View answerI am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications for a certificate of naturalisation were received from the persons referred to by the Deputy in October, 2009. The applications are currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. Further information was requested from the persons concerned in letters issued on 28 February 2012. Upon receipt of the requested information processing will be finalised and the cases will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
390 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the options available to an applicant (details supplied) for a certificate of naturalisation who has been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12409/12]
View answerI am advised that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in December, 2010 and I decided, in my absolute discretion, to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of this and the reasons for it in a letter issued on 20th February, 2012. There is no provision under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended for appeal in relation to an application for a certificate of naturalisation. However, the person concerned may make a new application at any time. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
