Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:294. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade why persons of over 80 years of age pay the full €89 for a passport; and if he will reduce the cost for them. [3651/16]
View answerThursday, 28 January 2016
Questions (294)
Written answers
In 2011 the Government decided in light of the budgetary situation to discontinue the arrangement whereby persons over the age of 65 could avail of a reduced passport fee.
The annualised fee for a standard ten year Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €8.60 for a French passport, €9.50 per year for a British passport, €10 per year for an American passport and €16.40 per year for an Australian passport.
Given that the shortfall in revenue would have to be met by the taxpayer I do not have any plans to reduce the fee charged to older applicants at this time.