Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2021
155. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the steps she has taken to put in place an enhanced process for the consideration of applications for naturalisation as directed by the Supreme Court (details supplied) in judgments delivered on 31 May 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16130/21]
View answerFollowing the Supreme Court judgement in Pourgholami v Minister for Justice and Equality, I have established a Single Person Committee of inquiry into the refusal of applications of Irish Citizenship via the Naturalisation process where National Security concerns arise.
The Committee has been established to review, on request from the applicant, the material upon which the decision to refuse to grant a certificate of naturalisation was made, in circumstances where the basis of refusal is in whole or in part predicated on National Security concerns. The information concerned is secret and sensitive in nature but the Single Person Committee will ensure greater openness and transparency in the decision making process.
Retired Judge John Hedigan has agreed to serve as the Member of the Single Person Committee. The establishment of the Committee provides greater openness and transparency in the process for applicants who are refused a certificate of naturalisation in the small number of cases where National Security concerns arise.
Following his review of the material, the Member will advise me on its disclosure having regard to natural justice considerations and National Security interests including maintaining intelligence capabilities. The Member may advise me: not to disclose; partial disclosure; or full disclosure of the material.
