Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
109. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the Passport Office to organise a national television and radio advertisement campaign to inform members of the public to ensure their passports are still valid prior to booking holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6777/18]
View answerMy Department makes every effort to promote good practice amongst passport holders when planning to travel abroad.
We regularly advise applicants of 3 golden rules:
- to check the validity of the passports in advance of booking travel;
- to apply at least 6 weeks in advance of their travel plans; and
- for eligible adults renewing their passport to consider the Online Passport Renewal Service passport application online facility, which is a fast, secure way for adults renewing their passport.
We promote these and any other relevant messages through various means - the Passport Service website, social media platforms, press releases, posters and leaflets, video material, radio interviews, attendance at relevant promotional events and so on.
The Passport Service undertook an extensive communication campaign, circulating promotional information to libraries, citizens’ information offices, travel agency networks and other public information bodies throughout the State, as well as providing similar promotional materials to all members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Passport Service is also active on Twitter, regularly releasing key passport messages to its more than 30,000 followers.
The Passport Service also has a practice of hosting stands at appropriate public events to raise awareness of passport-related issues, to promote good practice and safe travel abroad. Recent events attended by the Passport Service include the National Ploughing Championships in September 2017, and the Holiday World Show and the ‘Bride to Be’ show in January 2018 in the RDS.
In addition to these methods, from time to time interviews with the Director or staff of the Passport Service have been conducted with regional radio stations, which provides another opportunity to get the key passport messages to the public.
An extensive media campaign was also commissioned in early 2017, in connection with launch of the award-winning Online Passport Renewal Service, to encourage adults renewing their passports to use this fast, secure and convenient method of applying for a passport. This media campaign included posters at airports and on various forms of public transport. Short promotional video clips were also developed in this regard and have been adapted for different audiences and shared extensively by the Deaprtment on all social media platforms.
Finally, the Passport Service offers a free reminder service. Citizens registering for the reminder service receive an email prior to expiry of their passport to ensure they are aware that they need to apply for a new passport. All passport holders are encouraged to sign up to this free service at https://www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.
My Department will continue to work hard to promote these important messages relating to passports. I am satisfied that these promotional strategies are the most cost-effective way to reach a wide audience. I would also ask the Deputy and all Members of the Houses to join with me in assisting my Department on this important issue.
