The following table sets out the number of applications for naturalisation which were received and the number of certificates issued in the period 2000 to date:
Year
|
Applications Received
|
Percentage Increase on previous year for new applications.
|
Certificates Issued
|
|
|
%
|
|
2000
|
1,004
|
35
|
125
|
2001
|
1,431
|
42
|
1,012
|
2002
|
3,574
|
250
|
1,332
|
2003
|
3,580
|
0
|
1,664
|
2004 to end February
|
660
|
N/A
|
317
|
Despite the increase in the number of applications over the last four years the average processing time has been reduced from two and a half years to between 15 and 18 months. It should be borne in mind that the granting of Irish citizenship is an honour and that applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who are suitably qualified. There is, therefore, a limit to the reduction in the processing time that is possible without affecting the integrity of the citizenship process.