Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
341. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will facilitate representations to his office from MLAs and MPs, on behalf of their constituents in the North of Ireland on Irish passport applications on a similar basis to TDs and Senators in this State, to reflect the reality that they represent Irish citizens also and the high volume of passport applications from Irish citizens in the North of Ireland. [26503/22]
View answerElected representatives of Irish citizens, including those from Northern Ireland, can make formal representations to me in relation to passport applications by submitting enquiries directly to my office.
It is important to note that this channel does not function as a means of expediting passport applications.
In each case raised by an elected representative, the Passport Service reviews the application in question. 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 all required supporting documents have been submitted, the Passport Service will prioritise the application to ensure that no further delay is experienced.
Passport applicants can also track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website - www.dfa.ie/passporttracking/. The information on the tracker has recently been upgraded, and is an excellent guide as to where an application is in the system.
