234 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17679/10]

Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2009 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant certificates of naturalisation. The reasons for refusal were disclosed to the persons concerned in letters issued to them on 2 November, 2009.

It is open to the persons in question to lodge new applications for certificates of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at anytime. However, in doing so they should bear in mind the reason for refusal of the previous applications.