Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
91. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is possible for two Irish citizens (details supplied) in County Galway who had their passports stolen in Bolivia ten days ago, to have new passports granted to them without having to return to here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40180/12]
View answerWhereas it is necessary for the two Irish citizens to complete and submit applications for new passports, it is not necessary that the individuals return to this country to submit the applications. In respect of the individuals involved, application forms can be obtained from The Consulate of Ireland, Pasaje Gandarillas No 2667, Esq. Macario Pinilla, Sopocachi La Paz, Bolivia, Telephone: +591 2 2421408. The Honorary Consul will accept the completed applications and will return the printed passports once received. For the purposes of mitigating against the risk of attempting to steal the identity of the two individuals concerned, some evidence of identity will have to be provided. The Honorary Consul can advise on acceptable evidence.
It should be noted that it will take some time before the new passports are available in the Consulate. If the individuals require to travel at shorter notice then an emergency travel document can be obtained. However, it should be noted that the primary purpose of this document type is to enable those in difficulty to travel home, and, additionally, it is not possible to transit through the United States of America on this document type. The Passport Service has also notified Interpol of the stolen passport details, in this way protecting against travel on these stolen documents.
