Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
169. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 10 July 2013, the position regarding the issuing of a second passport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35442/13]
View answerThe issuance of second passports with concurrent validity is tightly controlled so as to minimise the scope for fraud and identity theft. As outlined in Question No. 64 of 10 July 2013, the Passport Service does operate a system to provide a second passport to Irish citizens who travel regularly to countries where possession of an entry/exit stamp or visa from another state would likely prevent a person’s entry into that country. Each case is examined individually and the applicant must demonstrate a compelling need for a second passport based on regular travel to the particular country in question. In most such cases, the second passport is required for business purposes and in such cases applicants are required to include a letter from their employer detailing the circumstances of their case and to provide sample travel plans which show travel into the countries concerned. The Passport Service does not issue second concurrent passports for once off or infrequent holiday travel to a destination where such issues arise. In such cases, passport holders are advised to renew their passport before travelling to a country where they might be refused entry. If, on the other hand, a passport holder wishes to renew their passport before the 10 years' validity has expired they are only required to complete the standard application form and submit their current passport.
