Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
246. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice in light of the current backlog in citizenship applications, her plans to allow for the taking of declarations and undertakings in naturalisation applications other than in citizenship ceremonies, as provided for in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45812/23]
View answerCitizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 and mark the transition to Irish citizenship by new citizens in a dignified and celebratory manner with the appropriate solemnity such a landmark event deserves. The ceremonies have been universally well received and contribute in no small measure to the continuing integration of our new citizens.
The provisions referred to by the Deputy of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (applications under section 15 and 15A) facilitate the Minister in dispensing with the requirement to attend a ceremony and allow the applicant to make the declaration and give the undertaking in such manner as the Minister may specify (in this case, on affidavit). This process will be considered where the Minister is of the opinion that it is appropriate to do so in the interests of ensuring that such applications are dealt with in an efficient manner.
My Department is aware that delays in processing times are frustrating and disruptive for applicants, and are working hard to improve the position. A suite of measures – including additional staffing – has been introduced in Citizenship Division of late in order to reduce processing times and eliminate current backlogs. In addition, citizenship ceremonies scheduled for December this year will bring to 17 the total of ceremonies held in 2023, with plans for increasing numbers of ceremonies in 2024.
The Deputy may also wish to note that, as part of the move away from a paper based processing system, online application and payment options have been introduced with effect from Monday 16th October. The digitalisation of the process will enable application forms to be submitted online and supporting documentation uploaded concurrently, along with an online payment function. This development will have a significant impact on processing efficiency and simplify the application process for applicants.
