Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:18 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether many citizens of Hong Kong have applied for Irish citizenship; and if he will outline his reaction to such applications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizenship for Hong Kong Citizens.
Records are not maintained in such a way as would enable the information sought to be made available readily. It would have to be specially compiled and this would involve the diversion of scarce staff resources from more essential work, and would not be warranted.
As regards my reaction to such applications, the position is that each application, irrespective of the country of origin of the applicant, is considered on its merits in the light of the governing statutory provisions, including those that lay down conditions as to character and residence.
In relation to the issue of citizenship generally and consideration of applications, is the Minister satisfied that the aliens section of the Department is working on a completely satisfactory basis, that recent difficulties have been ironed out and that there will be no undue delay in the processing of applications by his office?
The applications are processed as quickly as possible, but by the nature of the documentation required unfortunately delays sometimes occur which none of us like to see. However, more and more cases are being dealt with. The changes in the political structure in Europe have resulted in a greater movement of people and there is movement also from the Far East and parts of Africa. Throughout the European Community there is an increase in requests for asylum, naturalisation and documentation of some sort. This matter is receiving ongoing attention from the personnel of my Department with a view to improving further the work in the aliens division.
Can the Minister say whether there has been reorganisation in recent times in the aliens section of the Department and whether there has been an extra allocation of staff to that section in view of the factors indicated by the Minister in terms of the developing complexities in this area?
I can assure the Deputy that the matter of extra personnel is very actively under consideration but of course it is a matter of resources. With all the demands made on the Department of Justice in relation to the security of the State, the whole area of aliens and the changes throughout Europe, as well as demands in relation to Anglo-Irish talks, there is indeed a need for additional personnel to be appointed to the Department to complement the efforts of those who are there at present.