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 as well as international level. It is therefore important that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that the integrity of the regime for granting Irish citizenship through the naturalisation process is held in high regard both at home and internationally.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While the Citizenship Division endeavours to ensure that most straightforward cases are processed to a decision within six months, this has to be seen in the context of the work involved in dealing with volumes of applications, some of which can be very complex in nature, and the need to ensure that each applicant fulfils the statutory conditions for naturalisation. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases can take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks may take a considerable period of time.
In this case information has been received which requires further consideration and the application cannot proceed until this process is concluded. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is essential that all relevant information is considered so that a fully informed decision on any citizenship application can be made. This does not mean that an application decision is held up indefinitely.
I am advised that the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department will revert to the applicant if further information is required.
