I am aware of a priest who has been living in Ireland for ten years. He is working and plays an essential role in the community. He comes from a foreign country and is still awaiting citizenship. Yesterday, I was told by the Department that it could take up to 19 months for his application to be dealt with. What is the reason for the delay? I cannot understand how there can be a delay of this length. Is the Department short-staffed? What can be done? As stated, the priest in question is working and playing an important part in our community. I will have to go back to him and tell him he will be waiting at least 19 months or more for his application to be dealt with. This needs to be addressed.

I thank the Deputy. If she passes me the details, I will check the matter out with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. Straightforward cases should not take that long. If somebody comes to the country legally and is working, making a contribution and paying their taxes, usually that person's case can be decided within months, and certainly less than 19 months in my experience. Sometimes there can be complicating factors because it is necessary to check with the country a person has come from. There are also other checks that have to be carried out. Perhaps there is a reason for the delay in this case, and perhaps it is not a good one. If the Deputy passes me on the details, I will follow up on the matter.