Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
375. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice to comment on delays in the citizenship application process (details supplied); to provide proof that the backlog of applications from the old system are not being neglected now that the new system is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5550/24]
View answerI am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating and disruptive for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, 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.
In a little over two years Citizenship Division has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through adding staff and through digitising and streamlining processes. Median processing times currently stand at approximately 19 months.
The digitisation measures introduced include eVetting and online payments, and more recently a move to online based applications. This provides a streamlined application process and helps guide applicants through what is required for their application.
Last year the Citizenship Division of my Department wrote to all applicants explaining that, as improvements are made to the processing system, there may seem to be variation in how files are processed i.e. how long it takes to register, process and grant decisions. As part of testing these new processes a range of files from 2023 were progressed to conclusion and naturalised last year. The vast majority of files concluded in 2023 dated from previous years, however, and I want to assure the Deputy that there is no question of any applications being neglected.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
