Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 May 2018
122. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in processing a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); the way in which their paperwork was mislaid on two occasions; if the application will be expedited; and when the person can expect a final determination. [22843/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that as the details supplied have been provided by a third party and not directly by the person referred to, we are precluded under data protection provisions from disclosing information relating to any individual case to such a third party. Therefore it would not be appropriate for us to provide any further information specific to this case at this time.
What I can say in general terms, is that applicants for certificates of naturalisation must be lawful resident at the time of grant of such a certificate, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they reside. This is made clear to all applicants and it is incumbent on applicants to comply with this requirement.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour 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 the INIS of my Department 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 the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
