Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
514. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure that the foreign birth registration of a person (details supplied) will proceed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16424/21]
View answerThe Passport Service has paused the processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications as Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas.
My Department operates a clear and transparent general policy of processing FBR applications in order of receipt. However, we will consider urgent requests to expedite an application on a case by case basis. During Level 5 restrictions, applicants can make contact with the Passport Service through the WebChat service.
A comprehensive plan is in place to resume all services, in line with the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Applications will be processed when services resume at Level 3 of the Framework.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has no record of an FBR application received in this name.
