Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 May 2018
84. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the problem with the passport tracking system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23852/18]
View answerAn applicant can track the progress of their passport application by entering the 11 digit application number into the tracker system. The applicant is also required to enter their category of application and the channel through which the application is submitted. The date provided by the tracker is a target date and not a guaranteed date. Information is updated daily and reflects the current target turnaround times. The Passport Service makes every effort to respond to as many customer queries as possible and in recent weeks, has allocated additional resources to the existing Communications Unit to respond to customer queries on phones, email and webchat. The vast majority of resources is allocated to checking and processing applications so that passports can be issued as quickly as possible. As the Deputy will be aware, this is peak season for the Passport Service and applicants are strongly advised to submit their application in good time before their planned travel date. Applicants are advised to check the Passport Service website, www.dfa.ie/passport for the most appropriate channel through which to submit their application. Adult applicants renewing their passport are strongly advised to check the online passport application service. The target turnaround time is 10 working days, plus postage time, but in 50% of cases, passports are issued in 5 working days (plus postage time).
