Niamh Smyth
Question:222. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will review a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/17]
View answerWednesday, 12 April 2017
Questions (222)
Written answers
The target turnaround time is fifteen working days for renewal applications submitted via Passport Express as operated in partnership with An Post. This is advised on my Department’s website and via all An Post promotional materials and on their website.
As a matter of best practice and to avoid delays in the event of incomplete applications or insufficient supporting documentation, the Passport Service advises that applicants allow at least six weeks for passport processing. Applicants are advised in notes accompanying the application form not to book travel until they are in possession of a valid passport and that doing otherwise is at the applicant’s own risk.
These notes also advise that current turnaround times can be consulted at www.dfa.ie/passport and that those with insufficient time to apply through Passport Express should avail of the online passport appointments service to submit an application in person at the Passport Office in either Cork or Dublin. This appointments service was introduced to facilitate applicants with urgent travel plans, i.e. those travelling in under fifteen working days. The Passport Service also provides a limited number of appointments for a Rapid Renewal Service through which applicants, subject to certain terms and conditions, can receive a passport in under three working days.
It is very important that the applicant decide at the outset on the most appropriate channel through which to submit an application.
I am informed that the fifteenth working day after receipt of the application referred to by the Deputy was 10 April and that the passport was dispatched on that date.