Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
217. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any actions he is taking to reduce processing times for applications for Irish citizenship by naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13014/26]
View answer218. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the average waiting time for applications for Irish citizenship by naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13015/26]
View answer219. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of members of a community (details supplied) in relation to delays in processing visa applications; the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13016/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, together.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I want to assure anyone who has submitted an application for naturalisation that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note, however, that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some checks, such as international checks, can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely outside the control of the Immigration Service.
For that reason, while I expect that going forward, most applicants will receive a decision within one year, this cannot be guaranteed in the case of all applications.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to improve the process for applicants. These include introducing an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
