Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2022
157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has considered the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism for naturalisation decisions; and if so, the details and timelines for the introduction of same. [53688/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under this Act.
Following the Supreme Court judgment in Pourgholami v Minister for Justice and Equality, a Single Person Committee of inquiry was established to review the refusal of applications of Irish Citizenship via the naturalisation process where National Security concerns arise.
The Committee has been established to review, upon request from the applicant, the material upon which the decision to refuse to grant a certificate of naturalisation was made, in circumstances where the basis of refusal is in whole or in part predicated on National Security concerns, given that the information concerned is secret and sensitive in nature.
Following a review of the material by the Single Person Committee, the Member will advise the Minister on its disclosure but cannot overturn a decision.
There is no appeals mechanism in place for a refusal on any other grounds.
It is open to a person to make a further application for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time.
An unsuccessful applicant is asked to consider the previous reasons for refusal when making a new application.
