Denise Mitchell
Question:236. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the reason for significant delays to applications for naturalisation; the process generally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22737/20]
View answerWednesday, 9 September 2020
Questions (236)
Written answers
The restrictions attendant to the current COVID-19 pandemic have regrettably resulted in significant challenges to the delivery of normal services within the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department. Currently there are approximately 21,000 applications on hand, at various stages within the system, ranging from those just received by the Citizenship Division to those where a decision has been made but it is not possible to issue an invitation to a ceremony.
All applicants 18 years and older must attend at a citizenship ceremony in order to make a declaration of fidelity to the State, administered by a Presiding Officer, normally a retired member of the Judiciary. As a result of these restrictions, the Citizenship Division have experienced significant disruption in delivering its core functions. Working within these restrictions, public safety and the wellbeing of staff are of course both urgent priorities.
The pilot virtual Citizenship Ceremony that took place on 10 July 2020, involved 21 applicants. As I indicated at that time, a review was underway and consideration of that review is now in its final stages.
As I have said previously, a critical consideration is the protection of the welfare and safety of the participants and the general public. It is also essential that any arrangements put in place ensure that the event is held with an appropriate degree of dignity and solemnity, as befits an event of such importance in the lives of our newest citizens. At this same time, it is not desirable for extended delays to become a feature of the system, while having regard to the practical aspects of the citizenship process. As a consequence, a critical aspect of the review concerns the ability to provide a scalable solution. The ceremony model will need to be able to meet the requirements of applicants and my Department for an as yet indeterminate period of time. My intention is to make a decision as to how to proceed shortly.
It remains my intention that large scale ceremonies will recommence once circumstances allow.