Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice to issue a citizenship certificate to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38543/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 1 October 2024
Ceisteanna (324)
Freagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that all Certificates of Naturalisation for the attendees of the recent citizenship ceremonies held this month are currently in the process of being printed and will be issued via registered post.
I am aware that following some previous ceremonies there were delays in certificates being received and this is very much regretted. My Department has recently implemented new procedures which will reduce the waiting time for our new citizens to receive their certificates and I understand that all Certificates will be issued within the next few weeks.
I want to assure anyone who is waiting for their Certificate of Naturalisation that they do not need to renew their immigration permission whilst they await a Certificate. I am advised that introducing a parallel temporary certification document at this stage would divert resources from the process of issuing the Certificates.
These steps are part of an overall programme of work to speed up the Naturalisation process for applicants. This includes introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023 and has already made more than 16,000 decisions to date in 2024.
If any applicant has a query on their certificate, they can email citizenshipinfo@justice.ie
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.