asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider providing more spacious offices and more staff for the benefit of citizens who require passports.
18.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Passport Office Accommodation.
17.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the very strong complaints about the inadequacy of the accommodation and staffing of the Passport Office at St. Stephen's Green, Dublin; and when the improvements will be completed.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.
The present difficulties in the Passport Office are due to the unprecedented increase in the number of passport applications and to shortage of accommodation because of a fire in Iveagh House last November.
To meet these difficulties I have already recruited extra staff and I am recruiting more as accommodation can be found for them. In addition I hope to be able to move the Passport Office to alternative accommodation in the course of the next few weeks.
I met a man by accident this morning who told me he was waiting one and three-quarter hours in the Passport Office today. I know the Department of Foreign Affairs think they are above the reasonable treatment of any ordinary citizens but that kind of thing is a disgrace. Is the Minister aware that at present a person can have to wait one and three-quarter hours to be interviewed in the Passport Office?
This is quite so. There has been an increase in applications for passports from 350 a day to between 600 and 700.
Is everybody clearing out of the country?
We did a spot check and most people are going to Spain but some are going to France and Italy. It is a reflection of the affluent conditions. There was an apology in the Press from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Is nobody going to Clare?
One does not need a passport to go to Clare.
(Interruptions.)