Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
243. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the necessary information that is required in order to process a query through the Oireachtas passport query service; if the information on the attached passport query form is sufficient; if not, if additional information is required (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/22]
View answerIn response to the high volume of applications being submitted to the Passport Service, a temporary phone line was established in October 2021 to respond to Oireachtas members' queries on urgent passport cases.
In each case raised by an Oireachtas Member, the Passport Service reviews the application in question, and can provide an update as to the status and estimated issue by date of the application to the public representative. However, applications can only be expedited in cases of genuine emergency such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad. Such applications are expedited through the Travel Emergency service.
In cases where the estimated issue-by date has passed and the application is fully complete, the Passport Service will prioritise the application to ensure that no further delay is experienced.
While a form is not required in order to enquire about a citizen’s passport application, the representative making the call through the Oireachtas line must provide the following information to the Passport Service:
- The name of the TD or Senator that they are calling on behalf of
- Their Oireachtas email address
- The passport application number for the query
- Confirmation that consent has been received from the data subject (the applicant/guardian of applicant)
- Confirmation of the applicant/guardian of applicant’s name
It can also be helpful for the representative to have further information such as the applicant’s date of birth, in case an incorrect application number is provided to the Passport Service.
