Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
711. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered fast-tracking citizenship applications of those applicants who worked on the front lines during the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1024/21]
View answerI recognise and acknowledge the crucial role frontline workers are continuing to play in responding to the threat of COVID-19. They work in a challenging environment and deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis. Their exceptional commitment has been particularly clear throughout the pandemic, during which they have been playing a key role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic, I have provided six extensions of immigration permission to 20 April 2021 to ensure that those requiring an immigration permission to work in the state could continue to do so including those providing frontline services.
I am conscious that a significant backlog has built up regarding the granting of citizenships due to the inability to hold in person ceremonies during Covid-19. Unfortunately, the pandemic has prevented the holding of such ceremonies, which are usually attended by hundreds of people and which have become a welcome addition to our public and civic life.
I will this month re-start the process of granting citizenship, without the need to hold in person ceremonies, and I will outline the details of this shortly. It is anticipated that, as the backlog is cleared, frontline workers who are awaiting naturalisation will be among those granted citizenship under the new approach.
