Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
510. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the target turnaround time for passports; the actual time it is taking to process passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38353/17]
View answerInformation on the turnaround times for passport applications is updated weekly on the Passport Service website, www.dfa.ie/passport. The target turnaround time for Passport Express renewal applications is 15 working days. Applications in other categories such as first time applicants or those involving lost or stolen passports take longer, as additional checks are undertaken. The actual current turnaround times for these applications is 12 working days for renewals and 14 working days for applications in other categories.
As the Deputy may be aware, a new Online Passport Application Service was launched in March which allows adult citizens to renew their passports online from anywhere in the world without any paperwork or witnesses. The target turnaround time for the online service is 10 working days plus postage time. While the actual turnaround time is subject to change due to volumes of applications received, at present 92% of online applications are processed by the end of day 6. I urge Deputies to encourage all eligible applicants to avail of this fast, secure and convenient facility. As more applicants avail of the service, the efficiency gains will help improve turnaround times more broadly.
Applicants who have insufficient time to make an application through Passport Express or are not eligible to apply online are advised to book an appointment to submit an application in person at the Passport Office in either Dublin or Cork. The appointment can be booked online at www.passportappointments.ie. It should be noted that the number of appointments available each week is limited.
