30 September 2020

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, today announced that retired Judge John Hedigan has agreed to serve as the Member of the Single Person Committee of inquiry into the refusal of applications of Irish Citizenship via the Naturalisation process where National Security concerns arise.

The Committee is being established to review, upon request from the applicant,the material upon which the decision to refuse to grant a certificate of naturalisation was made, in circumstances where the basis of refusal is in whole or in part predicated on National Security concerns.

Announcing the establishment of the Committee, Minister McEntee said:

“I am pleased that retired Judge John Hedigan has agreed to serve as the Member of the Single Person Committee. The establishment of the Committee will provide greater openness and transparency in the process for applicants who are refused a certificate of naturalisation in the small number of cases where National Security concerns arise.

“It also ensures that the confidentiality of matters of National Security continue to be appropriately maintained for the security of the State.

“The granting of Irish citizenship is a privilege and an honour, which thousands of our newest citizens have benefitted from. It confers certain rights and entitlements not only within this State but also at European Union level. It is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process at all levels of the decision-making.”

Following his review of the material, the Member will advise the Minister on its disclosure to the applicant having regard to natural justice considerations and National Security interests including maintaining intelligence capabilities. The Member may advise the Minister: not to disclose; partial disclosure; or full disclosure of the material.

ENDS