Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
386. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports that have been issued to date in 2021; the average waiting time for a new passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37974/21]
View answerThe Passport Service has issued 309,000 passport books and cards to date in 2021.
The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations on 4 May 2021 in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.
The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas.
- Clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications.
- Processing all adult renewal applications (including new applications) within 10 working days.
- Processing urgent and emergency applications.
- Providing customer services through our telephone and web chat team.
Very substantial progress has been made in clearing the COVID-19 backlog: all backlog applications which were completed properly have been processed and related passports issued. As regards incomplete COVID-19 backlog applications, the Passport Service has been in contact with the applicants regarding the need to send in outstanding documents. Once all outstanding required documentation is received, issuance of passports will be expedited.
The average possessing time or wait time for a new passport varies depending on a number of key factors including;
- The nature of the application - first time application or a renewal of existing.
- Whether a passport is for a minor or an adult.
- If the application is completed correctly and supported by all necessary documentation in the first instance.
- If the photograph supplied by the applicant met the criteria as described in detail on the application website.
The average time currently for simple adult renewals is 10 working days; complex renewals, including children, is 15 working days and 40 working days for first time applicants.
The Passport Service’s goal is to continue to scale up operations post COVID-19 and to return to normal levels of service as soon as possible including the return of Passport Express Service shortly.
I wish to highlight that our telephone and web chat services are available to all citizens whose passport applications have unfortunately been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Customers are encouraged to contact our Customer Service Hub if they require assistance urgently.
