Mr Justice John Hedigan

Mr Justice Hedigan, who retired from the Court of Appeal two years ago, will serve for up to three years as the sole member of the new committee of inquiry known as the Single Person Committee.

The establishment of the committee will introduce a process whereby applicants whose application for a certificate of naturalisation was refused, in whole or in part, on national security concerns, can apply for a decision on the disclosure of the information relied on in refusing their application.

Mr Justice Hedigan will review the material and then advise the Justice Minister on its disclosure to the applicant, having regard to natural justice considerations and national security interests, including maintaining intelligence capabilities.

Justice Minister Helen 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.”

She added: “The granting of Irish citizenship is a privilege and an honour, which thousands of our newest citizens have benefited 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.”