Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005
163 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing applications for naturalisation, in particular that of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7347/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 12 May 2004. The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. It is likely, therefore, that the application of the individual concerned will be finalised by May 2006. The lengthy processing time for applications is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications being received during the last number of years. In 2000, some 1,004 applications for naturalisation were received. The comparable figure in 2004 was 4,074.
It is of relevance to point out to the Deputy that while there are approximately 600 civil service staff currently assigned to immigration related functions in both my Department and its associated independent agencies, approximately 70% of those staff have been engaged full time in activities associated with the processing of asylum claims or in the provision of support for asylum seekers. The reduction in the numbers claiming asylum during 2003 and 2004 has freed up resources which are currently being deployed in the improvement of mainstream immigration services. The citizenship section is one of the areas which is benefitting from this process.
I will inform both the applicant and the Deputy as soon as I have reached a decision on this application.
