Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2019
141. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for citizenship lodged with the INIS in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of decisions still pending for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41452/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that, as of 8 October 2019, there were some 19,172 decisions pending for the years 2016 – 2019.
A breakdown of the figures is provided in the following table.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Applications Received |
13,018 |
11,776 |
12,859 |
9,378 |
|
Applications Pending |
707 |
2,091 |
7,234 |
9,140 |
I am aware that the recent judgment of the High Court relating to continuous residency under Section 15(1)(c) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 (as amended) has given cause for concern.
My Department is doing everything possible to put a solution in place on an urgent basis. At the end of July, I obtained Cabinet approval for a proposed Bill to address the matter and intensive work is taking place in my Department where officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Council in the Attorney General’s Office to finalise the draft Bill. However, the matter remains before the courts, with the Court of Appeal reserving judgement earlier this week , and therefore sub-judice. The outcome of the appeal will have a bearing on whether or not legislation is required. Should it be necessary, I intend to introduce the Bill in the Oireachtas as soon as possible this term. I know that colleagues of all parties are concerned with the difficulty that has arisen and I am hopeful that the Oireachtas will give the Bill early and positive consideration.
As soon as the legal issues are resolved, my officials will make all necessary arrangements for the next Citizenship Ceremony. Invitations will issue four weeks in advance of the ceremony to ensure everyone has adequate notice.
In the interim, the Immigration Service of my Department is advising those who are planning to apply for citizenship to continue to collect all of the necessary proofs that support their application and to submit a comprehensive application form. Once a solution is in place, if any additional information is required, applicants will be contacted as part of the processing of their application.
