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Passport Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Questions (264)

Pa Daly

Question:

264. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the expected start and completion dates for implementation of the new passport system in the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5540/22]

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Written answers

There is an ongoing process of reform within the Passport Service. This process has already delivered a number of transformational improvements for citizens at home and abroad, in particular, the rollout of the Passport Online service. Passport Online can now be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world. In 2021, approximately 90% of all applications were made online.

The next major reform underway is the replacement of the core technology underpinning the Passport Service. The current system, the Automated Passport System or APS, was launched in 2004 and will be replaced by a more modern, integrated system. An extensive procurement process, overseen by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), concluded in April 2021 with the award to a consortium led by HID Global. The Passport Issuance and Processing System (PIPS) contract was signed in September 2021 and the project officially commenced in November 2021. This complex project is currently at an early stage and officials from my Department are actively working with the vendor to outline the high level design of the new system. Extensive detailed design, testing and phased implementation is to follow over the remainder of this year and much of 2023. It is intended that the new system will be substantially operational by the end of 2023.

This will ensure the Passport Service benefits from a standard, scalable and resilient technical platform, capable of handling increased application volumes, while maintaining the high standards of security that are a hallmark of the Irish Passport. The Passport Online Service will remain in place as the fastest, easiest and safest way for citizens to apply.

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