asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of delays in people receiving passports; if he is satisfied with the service presently given by the Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Passport Office.
4.
I am not aware of any delays at present in the issue of passports in cases where applications are in order. The Passport Office continue to process applications and issue passports within ten working days of receipt of application despite the fact that the figures for this year show an increase of approximately 30 per cent in the numbers of those applying for passports.
It may be that the Deputy is referring to the time taken to process applications by personal callers to the Passport Office. There was a daily attendance of approximately 300 people at the Passport Office during the peak months of April to July. Most of these applicants were nevertheless provided with passports within two to three days.
I am satisfied with the service given by the Passport Office. The time taken to process applications and issue passports is the same as in previous years and compares very favourably with other countries.
I would take this opportunity to say that Irish citizens intending to travel abroad would relieve much of the anxiety on themselves and pressure on the Passport Office if they applied for their passports well in advance of their trip.