Noel Rock
Ceist:325. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review applications (details supplied) in view of a ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44796/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 November 2019
Ceisteanna (325)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy may be aware that Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice and Equality may waive any or all of the statutory provisions for naturalisation as provided in Section 15 of the Act, where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations.
Having considered the application concerned, I am not satisfied that the person concerned meets the statutory residency criterion and have decided not to exercise my absolute discretion to waive said requirement. The person concerned was informed on 27 May 2019 by the Immigration Service of my Department that a certificate of naturalisation would not be granted in respect of this application.
In conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office, careful consideration is being given to the judgment in the case referred to by the Deputy and any implications it may have for Ministerial policy. As such it would be premature and inappropriate to comment pending the conclusion of such consideration.
While it is the case that there is no appeals process provided for under the relevant legislation, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, an applicant may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. When considering making such an application they should provide the full range of available and relevant information in order to support the application. All applications will be considered, taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.