Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
34. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current waiting time for a normal passport; the number of passports that were issued in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30494/13]
View answer52. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current waiting time for the issuing of a normal passport application; the arrangements that are in place for emergency or compassionate applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30493/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 52 together.
Customers applying through the Passport Express service are given a commitment by the Passport Service that ten days from the date of receipt by the Passport Service of properly completed applications a passport will be issued. Last year over 83% (428,000) of all persons applying for their passports in the State used Passport Express Irish citizens applied for their passports through Passport Express. The minimum turn around time for a passport is 3 working days.
In cases of genuine emergency every effort is made by the Passport Service to meet a travel date where the Passport Service is satisfied that:
- the proposed journey is related to the death or serious injury or illness abroad of a close relative or a medical emergency relating to the applicant him/herself; and
- the presence of the applicant at the foreign location in connection with such an unexpected event is necessary or highly desirable; and
- the need to travel has arisen at short notice.
Additionally, my Department provides a Duty Officer Service outside normal office hours to deal with matters requiring immediate attention, including the issue of passports.
The total number of passport applications processed for the period 2011 to 20 June 2013 is detailed as follows:
|
Year |
Applications |
|
2011 |
679,946 |
|
2012 |
714,744 |
|
To 20 June 2013 |
438,545 |
