Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
94. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which persons working for Irish Aid abroad can gain access to new passports (details supplied); the way in which they can operate while waiting four weeks to obtain a new passport; if an online facility can be made available for them regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19524/19]
View answer96. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to challenges Irish citizens face in securing passports in insecure environments (details supplied); and if the policy regarding same will be reviewed. [19686/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 96 together.
My Department is greatly appreciative of the important contribution made by Irish citizens working in humanitarian activities in crisis-hit areas around the world. The Passport Service recognises the unique challenges faced by many of these citizens, and those living and travelling in such difficult environments, when renewing travel documents.
My Department, including through its network of missions worldwide, is committed to providing the best possible access to consular and passport services to all Irish citizens throughout the world.
The Passport Service recognises that some Irish citizens who travel frequently for reasons relating to their employment require a second passport to allow for travel when their primary passport book is being held by an embassy for visa-issuing purposes.
All applications for second passports are considered on a case by case basis and the applicant must be able to demonstrate a compelling need for a second passport.
In addition to the supporting documents required for a standard passport application, an application for a second passport must include the following:
- A letter on headed paper from the head of the applicant’s employing company or organisation outlining why a second passport is required. The letter should detail the applicant’s position and length of service and certify travel commitments.
- A detailed list of projected business travel for the coming months to countries where visas are required.
- Evidence that demonstrates the applicant’s personal passport was held for regular periods of time at Embassies while waiting to obtain a visa.
Citizens who wish to apply for a second passport are requested to submit their current passport with their application. In cases where applicants need to retain their current passport while their application for a second passport is being processed, applicants can submit a photocopy of all pages of their current passport book with their application. Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at the public counter in the Passport Office in either Dublin or Cork or at the applicant’s nearest Irish Embassy; a copy of the applicant’s current passport will be taken and then returned to the applicant.
First time applications for an additional passport book cannot be submitted through the online passport service which is currently limited to renewals only.
It is possible to use the online renewal service to renew a second passport online if the applicant's main passport book has not expired.
Citizens who require extra visa pages to accommodate large numbers of entry and exit stamps and visas should also consider applying for a larger passport which contains 66 pages instead of the standard 32 pages.
