324 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application by persons (details supplied) in County Wexford to reside here will be determined in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3288/02]

According to records held by my Department, the persons in question were granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of their parentage of an Irish citizen child for a period of 12 months initially on 11 October 2000. This decision was communicated in writing to applicants at the address referred to by the Deputy.

325 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for naturalisation will be processed. [3292/02]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 27 March, 2001. The average processing time for an application for naturalisation is fifteen months at the present time and it is therefore likely that the application of the person referred to will be finalised around the middle of this year. As soon as I have reached a decision on the matter the applicant and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome.