Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if advice will be provided in relation to matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34237/20]
View answerIn response to the move to Level 5 on the Government's National Framework for living with COVID-19, the Passport Service is operating an essential, emergency service at this time. Applicants can apply using Passport Online and processing will resume at Level 4.
In cases where an applicant's most recent passport has expired by more than five years, i.e. their last passport application was made more than 15 years ago, the new passport application will have the same documentary requirements as a first time application. The Passport Service has advised that the applicant should apply for her Irish passport as a first time applicant using the Passport Online service. The awarding-winning Passport Online service is the cheapest and most convenient way to apply for a passport. This will take 20 working days once the supporting documentation is received.
Alternatively, the applicant can apply using the paper based Passport Express system. This will resume at Level 3. The same documentation is required from the applicant and it will take 6-8 weeks to process the application.
