Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
644. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the foreign births register will reopen; the length of time it will take to clear the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30503/21]
View answer660. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the processing of foreign births will resume given the easing of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30971/21]
View answer661. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the criteria for urgent applications to the foreign births register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30972/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 660 and 661 together.
The processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications has been temporarily paused as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions.
Prior to COVID-19 it took twelve to eighteen months to process applications. This was due to the complex nature of FBR applications and the very high volume of applications due to Brexit.
The Passport Service will resume processing FBR applications as soon as the COVID Passport backlog is fully cleared. In relation to exceptional urgency the applicant may contact the Passport Office directly.
