Citizenship Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (1018)

Michael Lowry

Question:

1018. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice if his Department will assist a person (details supplied) who is attempting to apply for citizenship but does not meet the 150 points needed on the 'scorecard' system for assessing their identification and residence history; if his Department can furnish guidelines of what extra information is required from a person to make up the deficit in points to enable the applicant to meet the necessary threshold of 150 scorecard points; if his Department will accept a sworn affidavit; if so, what is required in a sworn affidavit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am aware that for some applicants the scorecard may not have adequately addressed their individual circumstances. In such cases and where the applicant has justifiable reasons for not reaching the 150 points target required, the Citizenship Division of the Department may accept a sworn affidavit, which could help the applicant make up the deficit in points to enable them to meet the necessary threshold.  

However, the affidavit will not be accepted in lieu of all appropriate proofs and supplementary documentation which will still need to be provided to support the affidavit. Where submitting an affidavit, the applicant will still be required to meet the majority of the points requirement for naturalisation with documentary proofs. 

The Citizenship Division advise all applicants to provide as much information as possible in support of their application, bearing in mind also that each application will be assessed on its own merits.

If at any stage during the application process additional information or clarification is required from an applicant, the Division will contact the applicant directly requesting same.