Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2016
53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her current and/or expected position in regard to the determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21855/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply to his Parliamentary Question No: 58 of Thursday 30th June 2016 in relation to the person concerned. The position remains as stated.
Reply to Parliamentary Question No: 58 of Thursday, 30th June, 2016.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has made an application for a certificate of naturalisation. The processing of the application is ongoing with a view to establishing whether the conditions for naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence are satisfied. The records show that the person's permission to reside expired on 6 March 2016. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times and failure to do so may adversely affect an application for a certificate of naturalisation.
As the Deputy will appreciate, 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that 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 established specifically 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.
