asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) the current average waiting time for processing postal applications for passports and (b) the average queuing time for callers at the Passport Office; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern at the long delays and waiting time experienced at the Passport Office; if he has any plans to increase the number of staff in the office or to take other steps to speed up procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Passport Office Delays.
63.
An Irish passport is a valuable document of identity which can only be issued following careful checks on identity. It would not, I believe, be in the interest of the Irish public to sacrifice security for speed nor would it serve to maintain the integrity of the Irish passport. For this reason a passport cannot simply be available on demand — except in the case of a genuine emergency which will always be dealt with quickly and sympathetically.
Having said this, I would make the point that normal applications for passports received by post are processed and a passport is issued in five working days if the application is in order. Personal callers to the Passport Office are normally dealt with within 30 to 40 minutes but this can increase during times of increased demand.
As I have already indicated to the Dáil I am satisfied that the Passport Office provides a good standard of service to the Irish public. The office is computerised and it has a good telephone system recently updated. All aspects of the office are constantly monitored and where a need for change is identified changes are made. At the moment, in anticipation of the summer rush, 65 temporary staff have been taken on in addition to the 23 permanent staff. Should the need arise I will arrange that extra temporary staff be employed. I would appeal to all those who intend holidaying abroad this year to check that they have an up-to-date passport and, if not, to apply in good time by post.