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The High Court refused applications for judicial review brought by two individuals challenging the Minister for Justice's delay in deciding their applications for Irish citizenship. Both applicants, one the parent of an Irish citizen child and the other a declared refugee, sought orders compelling the Minister to make a decision after 40 and 41 months' waiting respectively. The court held that while there was a lengthy delay, it was not so egregious or unjustified as to amount to a refusal, as the Minister could not complete the 'good character' assessment until outstanding background checks from external agencies were received. The court found the Minister’s explanations for the delay reasonable, given the statutory requirements and lack of control over third-party responses, and declined to issue mandamus or declaratory relief.
judicial review – citizenship applications – naturalisation – order of mandamus – delay in decision – Minister for Justice – background checks – good character assessment – declaratory relief – Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 – s. 15 and s. 16 of 1956 Act – refugee status – An Garda Síochána – external agencies – High Court
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