Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
548. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice if citizenship applications are continuing to be processed in chronological order; the number of applications from 2021 and 2022 that are still being processed; the number of applications for 2023 to date that have been processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24397/23]
View answer568. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice why a large number of applicants who applied in 2020 – 2022 are experiencing significant delays in the processing times for their Irish naturalisation applications, compared with applicants who applied in 2023, who have had their applications processed and have also received Garda vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24834/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 568 together.
I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. My Department knows that delays in processing times can be very frustrating and would like to apologise for any stress or uncertainty it has caused applicants.
Citizenship Division’s current policy remains to process applications within sequence wherever possible. There are however significant changes underway as the Division examines how it can become more efficient.
As the division moves from its old processing structure to a new model there may seem to be variation in how it processes files i.e. how long it takes to register, process and grant decisions. This will not disadvantage older applications but is important to ensure our new process works. This will ultimately help reduce how long it takes to process all applications.
One of the improvements that has become visible recently has been the reduction in wait times for files to be registered. Last year it took on average about 7 months for a file to be acknowledged. This year it is done in a matter of weeks. A related improvement is that Garda vetting is now carried out earlier in the naturalisation process to help improve processing efficiency.
To ensure older files are also progressing under the new system my Department has recently written to 13,000 applicants with electronic links to commence eVetting. When the vetting is complete, and any additional information is not awaited from an applicant, the file will be progressed towards naturalisation.
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of my Department that for the years 2021 & 2022 there were 29,156 applications received. 5,931 of these have been naturalised leaving a balance of 23,225 applications currently being processed. Up to 19 May, 5,665 applications have been registered in 2023. Our expectation is that applicants from across 2021-23 will be amongst those invited to citizenship ceremonies over the course of 2023. My Department intends to communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis to provide regular updates on progress in this regard.
