Written Answers Nos. 1-25
1. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the amount that has been spent on advertising in 2020 by his Department and its agencies on social media platforms (details supplied) in tabular form; and the name of each campaign advertised. [9309/20]
View answerIn 2020 so far my Department has spent €4,308.20 on social media buying. This relates to content produced in Autumn 2019.
My Department is coordinating the National whole-of-government communications response to the COVID-19 emergency. There will continue to be expenditure on public information notices to ensure maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community. This will involve very significant additional expenditure in 2020.
2. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if future overseas missions for members of the Defence Forces delayed due to the UN suspension will serve their full period of duties once missions can be rotated; if they will receive their expected allowance payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8298/20]
View answerAs part of its response to the global Covid pandemic, on 5 April, 2020 the United Nations Secretary General directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions until 30 June. The suspension was based on the protection of local communities as well as that of the peacekeepers during the Covid pandemic.
On foot of the subsequent efforts of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade, a number of rotations of Irish Defence Forces personnel have been successfully concluded. While the rotation of troops to and from UNIFIL, which was to take place mid-May, has been delayed as a result of the UN suspension, Ireland has secured an exemption and approval for a rotation of the full contingent in June, during the UN moratorium.
The UN has recently advised that transitional measures will apply in the following six month period, July to December 2020, which will include a partial resumption of rotations with rigorous quarantine requirements and periodic reviews built into the process.
The full impact of Covid 19 on future rotations is currently being examined by my Department with the Defence Forces. As you will appreciate, the health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas remains our primary concern at this time.
3. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason family-friendly tours are not guaranteed at present for Defence Forces personnel due to be stationed overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8686/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the United Nations Secretary General, as part of the UN’s response to the global Covid pandemic, directed on 5 April last, the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions until 30 June, effective immediately.
The UN directed that only in certain very limited and extenuating circumstances would any exemption be allowed and has recently agreed to an exemption of the suspension for Ireland which will allow Ireland to rotate its full contingent to UNIFIL during the UN moratorium. The first rotation has now been confirmed by the UN for 21 June and the second for 29 June.
The confirmed dates have been communicated by the military authorities to Defence Forces personnel coming home and those going out to Lebanon to commence their deployment. As the dates for the rotations have now been confirmed, I hope that this will now ease the impact of the delayed rotations on families.
At a general level, unlike some other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Both men and women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas on peacekeeping missions.
In normal circumstances and prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of family friendly overseas appointments for commissioned and enlisted personnel were introduced, where the normal 6-month tour of duty could be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces resulting in a 3-month deployment.
The impact of Covid 19 on future rotations planned for UNIFIL, has being examined by my Department and the Defence Forces. While every effort will be made to ensure that personnel in such family-friendly appointments will rotate home following their tour of duty, this cannot be guaranteed. Depending on the circumstances presented at the time, a possibility exists that such personnel may be required to serve a full tour of duty with the remainder of their unit.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that personnel, due to deploy in such appointments with the 116 Inf Bn, were notified of this condition during pre-deployment training, and were afforded the opportunity to withdraw from the tour.
I will be keeping the matter under review in light of the evolving administrative and operational challenges presented by the pandemic.
4. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when a decision will be made regarding permitting the affiliating of the Defence Forces to a union (details supplied); the reason this decision has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8740/20]
View answer9. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if an application has been received from a union (details supplied) for permission to affiliate to another organisation; if so, when the application was received; when a decision will be made on the application; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9169/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 9 together.
Section 2(3) of the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990, prohibits the Defence Forces representative associations from being associated with or affiliated to any trade union or any other body, without the consent of the Minister.
In 2017, the European Committee of Social Rights, in a non-binding ruling, upheld the prohibition of the right of military personnel to strike but concluded that Ireland was in violation of Article 5 of the European Social Charter on the grounds of the prohibition against military representative associations from joining national employees organisations and in respect of Article 6.2 of the Charter regarding the right to bargain collectively.
It is noted that in arriving at its determination the ECSR noted in particular that according to EUROMIL, ICTU had stated that PDFORRA could be affiliated to ICTU with whatever conditions the Government deemed necessary.
Defence management (civil and military) have held meetings and exchanged correspondence with both ICTU and PDFORRA to explore the possibility of PDFORRA affiliating with ICTU, and to identify the possible conditions governing such affiliation.
I am aware that PDFORRA applied to affiliate with ICTU on 31 July 2019. The General Secretary, ICTU, wrote to me on 20 September 2019, advising that ICTU had agreed in principle to PDFORRAs application for associate membership, subject to the conclusions of ongoing discussions with the Department of Defence on the matter.
The Department of Defence wrote to PDFORRA on 11 December 2019, setting out possible conditions of affiliation and possible assurances required. Pursuant to this letter, a subsequent meeting was held with PDFORRA and ICTU on 10 January 2020.
At that meeting PDFORRA undertook, with the assistance of ICTU, to provide a response in writing to the matters discussed at that meeting, which will assist me in considering the matter. I am awaiting a reply in order to progress this matter.
5. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the strength each branch should be at; the recruitment planned in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8741/20]
View answerThe following table details the current strength (Whole Time Equivalent) figures of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 30th April 2020, and those of the agreed establishment.
|
Branch |
Establishment |
Strength |
|
Army |
7,520 |
6,867 |
|
Air Corps |
886 |
726 |
|
Naval Service |
1,094 |
892 |
|
Total |
9,500 |
8,485 |
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015). In that context recruitment will continue throughout 2020 targeting General Service Recruits, Cadets and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
6. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be allocated for the upgrade and extension of the mission preparation centre at the cadet school at the Defence Forces training centre; when this capital works project will commence; the duration of such works; and the allocated budget for same. [8775/20]
View answerThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, will provide a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. In relation to the Defence Forces Cadet School in the Curragh, I can advise that a competitive tendering process took place earlier this year in order to appoint a Design Team and those tenders are currently under evaluation. The outcome of that evaluation is expected shortly and a Design Team will be appointed thereafter. It is intended that procurement for a civil works contractor will commence in the coming months with a contract award for the building works to be in place by year end.
7. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be allocated for a new control tower at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; when this capital works project will commence; the duration of such works; and the budget allocated for same. [8776/20]
View answerThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, will provide a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. The programme recognises the development of a new Control Tower and its' strategic importance to the development of the Defence Forces. The development of strategic infrastructure of this nature will be progressed further as the Plan is implemented. The programme will ensure that the required capital funding is prioritised as building activities increase over the lifetime of the Programme.
There are currently over €68m worth of projects underway at different stages of development. This level of expenditure will continue to increase as the Programme is implemented. It is projected that some €75m will be spent over the next three years and that over the 5 year lifespan of the Programme some €145m will be invested.
8. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the facilities at Kilworth Camp are being used at present to accommodate personnel other than military personnel; and if so, the purpose of providing such accommodation. [9123/20]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that I am advised by the military authorities that presently only military personnel are accommodated in Kilworth Camp.
10. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of females who were recruited for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of females currently in training in each branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/20]
View answerThe following table illustrates the number of females that were inducted into the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in 2019 and 2020 (as at 27th May 2020) by Branch:
|
Number Inducted |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2019 |
39* |
1 |
4 |
44 |
|
2020 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
*includes 2 serving soldiers awarded a cadetship
The majority of inductions due in the first quarter of 2020 were postponed due to Covid 19. The Defence Forces are in the process of finalizing their amended 2020 induction capacity, taking into account the impact of public health guidelines.
All members of the Permanent Defence Force who are not deployed on operations or engaged in duties, while remaining available for service at all times, are otherwise engaged in constant ongoing training.
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. This is underlined by a commitment in the Programme for Government to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces.
11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the age limit for the Defence Forces cadetship competition will be increased as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission and also discussed at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence on 28 November 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9258/20]
View answerThe upper age limits for recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force are determined on the basis that its members are of an age group which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation.
In 2017, the military authorities proposed that the upper age limit for entry to cadetships be reduced from 28 years to 26 years. This has been implemented on a phased basis with advanced notification included in the Terms and Conditions of the 2017 Cadetship Competitions.
The Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force was accepted by Government in July 2019. A comprehensive implementation plan entitled "Strengthening our Defence Forces Phase One" was also published by Government. A range of projects are in development. This includes a review of recruitment methods. The output from this project will inform consideration of upper age limits for recruitment to the Defence Forces into the future.
12. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the recent re-enlistment campaign for the Defence Forces; if it remains open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9517/20]
View answerOn 1 April last, I announced a scheme to re-enlist former enlisted personnel who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified gaps in the Permanent Defence Force. The terms and conditions, for this scheme are available on the Defence Forces website, military.ie.
The scheme will allow for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years. The duration of the re-enlistment offered will be dependent on the vacancies that exist. I can confirm that this scheme currently remains open for application.
The re-enlistment of former personnel with the relevant skills and experience was one of the many actions being pursued to address the skill shortages in the PDF. It is a medium to long term initiative which pre-dates the COVID crisis, but which also facilitates the COVID response.
Under the terms and conditions, individuals who wish to re-enlist will serve for a specific period and for a specific purpose which will involve the use of a particular skill or area of expertise which cannot currently be met through the use of existing military resources. In addition, those who re-enlist will do so at the rank and salary point on which they left and will be required to meet a range of general eligibility criteria, including medical and physical fitness to ensure they are capable of performing normal military duties.
Since the announcement of the Scheme, I am delighted to report that over 600 applications have been received, with some 500 having gone forward for further assessment by the Chief of Staff. The military authorities are assessing the applications and interviews are underway. I understand that the Chief of Staff will shortly be submitting for my approval, initial recommendations on those who should be re-enlisted.
13. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the provisions he will put in place to ensure the ongoing preservation of protected structures in Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, should that area be handed over to another Department. [9531/20]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware the Land Development Agency (LDA) have confirmed that Columb Barracks site is a key site suitable for its development requirements and to this end the Department are in discussions with the LDA to formally transfer ownership of the site. On completion of the transfer all issues associated with the future development of the site will be a matter for the LDA in consultation with Westmeath County Council.
14. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount that has been spent on advertising in 2020 by his Department and its agencies on social media platforms (details supplied) in tabular form; and the name of each campaign advertised. [9835/20]
View answerMy Department did not incur any advertising expenditure in 2020 on the social media platforms to which the Deputy referred. However, expenditure was incurred by the Defence Forces. The information requested is not immediately available, but is being compiled by the Defence Forces. It will be sent to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.
|
LinkedIn Recruitment Campaign: (General Service Recruitment (GSR) including Cadetship & Naval Service Direct Entry Competitions) |
|
|
Linkedin GSR Campaign - Advertising |
€6,930.00 |
|
Facebook Recruitment Campaign: (General Service Recruitment) |
|
|
Spark Media GSR Campaign - Advertising |
€29,491.48 |
|
Spotify Recruitment Campaign: (General Service Recruitment) |
|
|
Spark Media GSR Campaign - Advertising |
€714.29 |
|
Instagram: (General Service Recruitment) |
|
|
Spark Media GSR Campaign - Advertising |
€14,526.00 |
|
Total |
€51,661.77 |
15. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the welfare assistance available for Irish citizens living abroad both inside and outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8300/20]
View answerThe Deputy will understand that any questions regarding access to Irish social welfare payments abroad are a matter for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
In terms of consular assistance for citizens overseas, the Consular Directorate in my Department, in close cooperation with our Embassies and Consulates overseas, supports thousands of citizens across the world. This can include providing advice and information on welfare supports available in the local region.
Such welfare supports vary greatly across different countries. Within the European Union, our citizens can often access supports which are similar to those provided in Ireland. For example, the European Health Insurance Card entitles Irish citizens in another EU Member State to receive healthcare on the same terms as citizens of that country. Any financial assistance available generally depends on a number of factors, including whether the citizen is resident and employed in the country.
Welfare supports available to Irish citizens abroad outside the EU can be significantly lower, and these vary greatly from country to country.
In the context of COVID-19, my Department has responded to an unprecedented demand for assistance from our citizens overseas. As part of this, we have focused on assisting citizens normally resident in Ireland who want to return home.
We stand ready and committed to providing all possible consular support to Irish citizens in difficulties abroad, as possible and as appropriate.
16. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the passport office will reopen and services resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8311/20]
View answer18. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when passport services are expected to resume including the production and processing of passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8528/20]
View answer19. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when services will resume at the passport office including the processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8529/20]
View answer24. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the passport office will resume full services; if passport holders with expiring passports are advised to submit renewal applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8674/20]
View answer25. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when first time passport applications may be lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8742/20]
View answer29. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which a person can receive a passport renewal during the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9014/20]
View answer31. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when it is expected his Department will restart passport applications. [9128/20]
View answer36. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the passport office will be reopened to provide its necessary function; and when the postal method, that is, passport express will be operational again. [9502/20]
View answer38. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in which the passport office will reopen; the plans that have been put in place to deal with a backlog in applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9741/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 18, 19, 24, 25, 29, 31, 36 and 38 together.
With the commencement of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the introduction of widespread travel restrictions both nationally and internationally, Irish citizens have ceased nearly all non-essential travel. This has led to a large decrease in the number of passport applications received by the Passport Service, including a decrease in applications received from applicants.
In response to this situation, the Passport Service is operating an essential, emergency service at this time. This has allowed us to both reassign staff to our consular services assisting our citizens abroad and redeploy staff to critical areas including contact tracing for the HSE and COVID-19 payments for Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, all critical services at this time.
The Passport Service continues to process emergency passports for our citizens at home and abroad. Almost 350 passports have issued to our citizens both at home and abroad in response to urgent requests. Our webchat service and a dedicated travel emergency mailbox continue to operate through which we can be contacted in such circumstances. In addition, our phones lines have answered over 16,000 calls from Irish citizens overseas as part of the Department’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Passport Service staff cannot work remotely, they must be on site in order to process passport applications. This is to protect the personal data of the applicant and the integrity of the Irish Passport System.
The Global Irish Services Division of the Department is now focused on returning to a point when we can provide a full passport service. We will endeavour to do so as quickly as possible, while providing our staff with a safe working environment and in line with the Government’s Roadmap to reopen Ireland’s economy and society. The protection of staff is our first priority but we also recognise that providing passports is an essential public service. I encourage Deputies to stay in contact with my office for updates in relation to the Passport Service.
17. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the case of a person (details supplied) whose case has been highlighted by an organisation. [8401/20]
View answer22. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports of the apparent detention of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8625/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 22 together.
The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes in relation to freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of Ireland's engagement and dialogue with Iran.
I am aware of the two cases raised, and note with concern that there are reports that the persons in question have been tortured. Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela rules.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy, and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is very important in that regard, and Ireland has regularly raised the case of human rights in Iran at that forum.
At the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Iran’s human rights record at the Human Rights Council in November 2019, Ireland raised concern about the continued harassment, arrest, and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders in Iran, and called on the Iranian Government to release all detainees, who have been imprisoned solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the ICCPR.
Human rights concerns are also discussed in Ireland’s bilateral engagement with Iran, and I have raised the need to have an open dialogue on the subject with the Iranian Ambassador. Senior officials in my Department raised our concerns about Iran’s human rights violations directly with their counterparts in Tehran in February 2020, urging Iran to allow the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran to visit the country.
The EU consistently pursues human rights issues with Iran, including the right to due process for all, as part of our overall engagement with Iran. Since 2011, the EU has also had in place restrictive measures related to violations of human rights, which both list individuals and entities responsible for grave human rights violations, including many responsible for violations of rights of detainees; and ban the export to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression and of equipment for monitoring telecommunications.
Ireland and the EU will continue to monitor developments in Iran, and to call on the Iranian Government to make progress in relation to human rights, both in direct contacts with Iranian officials, and at international level, including at the Human Rights Council, whenever opportunities arise.
20. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the delay in providing personal security clearance and facility security clearance for companies here dealing with projects for the European defence industrial development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8534/20]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade chairs the National Security Authority (NSA), which is an interdepartmental group and the relevant authority for the protection of EU classified information (EUCI) in the State. In this role my Department convenes the NSA and coordinates its work across its member Departments and Agencies. The Departments of An Taoiseach, Justice and Equality, Defence; Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Transport, Tourism and Sport are members.
Facilities Security Clearance is a certification regime for companies involved in contracts that require the protection of EUCI, such as the European Defence Industrial Development Programme to which the Deputy refers. The responsibilities of such companies are onerous as are those of the certification authorities. Facilities security clearance involves not only security clearance of employees, managers and owners but also evaluations of physical security arrangements, the security of information and communication systems and of the integrity of the company with respect to its ownership, control and vulnerability to undue influence. As such, a Facilities Clearance Facility requires a multi-faceted cross-Government approach.
Members of the NSA are aware of the obstacles posed to Irish business in the area of Facility Security Clearance. It is the intention of members of the NSA, in particular the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Defence, to bring the issue to the attention of Government in the coming months. Consideration will need to be given as to whether statutory provision is required and to the appropriate Departmental responsibilities in the matter.
21. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the persons appointed to the 2018 Irish Aid election observation roster. [8573/20]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the response to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 5 March 2020.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers and maintains a roster of suitably skilled individuals who are available to deploy on international election observation missions organised, in the main, by the European Union (EU) and the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE-ODIHR).
A new roster was put in place in January 2019. Throughout 2019 the persons shortlisted to that roster underwent training and security vetting. My Department is clarifying its relevant obligations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation GDPR, so that the list of names of members of the new roster will be attached to the public record in due course.
23. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the passport office will reopen and begin processing passport applications again; when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8653/20]
View answer27. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when passport applications will begin to be processed again; the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9005/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 27 together.
With the commencement of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the introduction of widespread travel restrictions both nationally and internationally, Irish citizens have ceased nearly all non-essential travel. This has led to a large decrease in the number of passport applications received by the Passport Service, including a decrease in applications received from applicants.
In response to this situation, the Passport Service is operating an essential, emergency service at this time. This has allowed us to both reassign staff to our consular services assisting our citizens abroad and redeploy staff to critical areas including contact tracing for the HSE and COVID-19 payments for Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, all critical services at this time.
The Passport Service continues to process emergency passports for our citizens at home and abroad. Almost 350 passports have issued to our citizens both at home and abroad in response to urgent requests. Our webchat service and a dedicated travel emergency mailbox continue to operate through which we can be contacted in such circumstances. In addition, our phones lines have answered over 16,000 calls from Irish citizens overseas as part of the Department’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Passport Service staff cannot work remotely, they must be on site in order to process passport applications. This is to protect the personal data of the applicant and the integrity of the Irish Passport System.
The Global Irish Services Division of the Department is now focused on returning to a point when we can provide a full passport service. We will endeavour to do so as quickly as possible, while providing our staff with a safe working environment and in line with the Government’s Roadmap to reopen Ireland’s economy and society. The protection of staff is our first priority but we also recognise that providing passports is an essential public service. I encourage Deputies to stay in contact with my office for updates in relation to the Passport Service.
An officer from the Passport Service has spoken directly to the person in question regarding their application.
