Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
301. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) considering that no reply has been forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38784/21]
View answerAn application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 11 December 2017. The application continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
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.
My Department aims to respond to all Oireachtas Mail immigration queries within 10 working days. I regret that it was not possible to do so on this occasion, while the necessary enquiries were being made with the citizenship team. However, I understand that a response has now issued and I hope the Deputy will agree that the facility generally works well and provides very timely responses.
