Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a Department official will meet with a person (details supplied) to discuss the recent refusal of their application for citizenship to assist them to better understand the reason this decision was reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16044/24]
View answerI am advised by Citizenship Division of the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) that the decision remains as stated in a letter dated 28 November 2023. The reasons for the refusal have been communicated to the person cited by the Deputy.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Any application under Section 16 that relies on Irish associations and affinity should be supported by substantive documentation that in the Minister’s view, renders the application exceptional and one where the normal pathways to citizenship provided for under the legislation are not appropriate.
However, there is no automatic right or entitlement to have any of the statutory conditions waived even where the applicant comes within the certain circumstances defined. This discretion is used very rarely and only under the most exceptional and compelling circumstances.
There is no time limit within which an unsuccessful applicant can make a new application, nor is there any limit on the number of applications made.
Applicants are advised that in making any new application they should bear in mind the reasons for the previous refusal. Each application is examined individually and assessed on their own merits. A decision on an applicant can only be made after a new application is received.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
