Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person concerned arrived in the State on 6 May 2000 and claimed asylum. The person's family arrived at a later date. Their application was refused by the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and on appeal by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the persons concerned were informed, by letter dated 17 January 2002, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. They were, in accordance with the Act, informed of the three options open to them at that point, namely, to leave the State voluntarily before the Minister decided whether to make deportation orders in respect of them, to consent to the making of deportation orders or to make written representations to the Minister setting out reasons they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Their case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding applications for naturalisation for persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13950/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons to whom the Deputy referred were received in the citizenship section of my Department on 26 October 2004.

The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. On the basis of the current average processing time, therefore, it is likely that the applications of the individuals concerned will be finalised in the second half of 2006.

I will inform both the applicants and the Deputy as soon as I have reached a decision on their applications.