Skip to main content
Normal View

Passport Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (679)

Michael McNamara

Question:

679. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport application processed during 2019, 2020 and 2021, by type, namely renewals and first-time applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2414/22]

View answer

Written answers

Passport Service operations have been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as were many Government services. The Passport Service maintained operations throughout the pandemic, notwithstanding the fact that the processing of passports requires physical attendance on site to deliver this service.

Despite the disruptions related to the pandemic throughout last year, the Passport Service issued over 640,000 passports in 2021 and 45% of simple adult renewals issued within one business day. 

The current passport processing times are:

-      10 working days for Simple Adult online renewals

-      15 working days for Complex or child online renewals

-      40 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online

-      8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service

The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times and engagement with applicants. Preparation is currently underway for several system and service improvements that will enhance the customer service experience and will improve processing times. In addition to this, my Department has been actively working with the Public Appointments Service to recruit additional permanent and temporary staff for assignment to the Passport Service. This recruitment drive has been underway since the last quarter of 2021 and will double the number of staff in the Passport Service from June 2021 levels. Over 180 additional staff are being assigned to the Passport Service in January alone and further staff will be assigned in February.  I am confident that the additional staff currently being assigned to the Passport Service will help to reduce turnaround times and to respond to the current and anticipated high demand for passports in 2022.

In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service.  Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system.  

Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports both at home and abroad.

The figures requested by the Deputy are outlined in tabular form below.

Passports issued by the Passport Service

Year

Renewal Passports

First Time Passports

2019

685,501

234,008

2020

358,100

93,588

2021

569,334

72,639

Top
Share