Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1159. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when naturalisation status will be finalised in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37153/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a Certificate of Naturalisation for the second named minor referred to by the Deputy was issued to his parent on 28 August, 2012. The submission of certain documentation is currently awaited in respect of the first-named minor in order that the final processing of her Certificate of Naturalisation can take place. Applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the third and fourth named persons referred to by the Deputy were received in October, 2011. The applications are currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
