asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to what the number which is penned in official ink at the top left-hand corner of the main page of a passport, which also bears the official stamped passport number, refers.
Written Answers. - Passport Numbering.
319.
The number written in ink on page 1 of a passport refers to the passport application file reference number and is used for the numerical filing of passport application files when passports have been issued. The number has no other significance.