Written Answers Nos. 248-317
248. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that they are due to travel on 29 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31387/22]
View answer252. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31433/22]
View answer254. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31435/22]
View answer259. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31440/22]
View answer260. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31441/22]
View answer283. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31497/22]
View answer288. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a renewal passport application will issue on time to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that they can fulfil their travel plan. [31529/22]
View answer289. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a renewal passport application will issue on time to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that they can fulfil their travel plan. [31530/22]
View answer290. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31544/22]
View answer293. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31547/22]
View answer294. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31548/22]
View answer297. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31551/22]
View answer304. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31558/22]
View answer305. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31559/22]
View answer317. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31571/22]
View answer335. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31589/22]
View answer340. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31594/22]
View answer352. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31606/22]
View answer356. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); if it is expected that the passport will issue on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31644/22]
View answer360. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that a passport for a child (details supplied) will be processed on time for the travel date 21 June 022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31678/22]
View answer362. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing this passport given that the application was lodged on 5 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31685/22]
View answer363. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to a family (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing these passports given that the applications were lodged on 17 March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31686/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 252, 254, 259, 260, 283, 288, 289, 290, 293, 294, 297, 304, 305, 317, 335, 340, 352, 356, 360, 362 and 363 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, these applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by date.
249. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding foreign birth registration applications for three siblings (details supplied) considering that the applications were submitted over two years ago in March 2020; when these applications will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31401/22]
View answerDue to the complex nature of the FBR process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow approximately 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of FBR applications at this time.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the subsequent reassignment of FBR staff to assist in the provision of essential passport services, the Foreign Birth Registration Service was paused for nearly 15 months across the 2020-2021 period.
The processing of Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) resumed in November 2021. FBR staff have since processed 7,000 FBR applications while also continuing to provide support to Passport services due to the unprecedented levels of passport demand.
The FBR Service provides an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Such applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the FBR service operates a transparent general policy of processing applications in order of receipt.
With regard to the applications to which the Deputy has referred supporting documentation was received on 10 March 2020. These applications will be processed in the coming weeks.
The Passport Service has been scaling up resources to deal with anticipated demand for passports and FBRs since June of last year. A major recruitment drive, in partnership with the Public Appointments Service, has been underway over the past several months. This has seen the Passport Service taken on over 400 staff since June 2021.
The unprecedented level of staff currently working in the Passport Service will be maintained in the months ahead. This will allow for the reassignment of additional staff to the processing of FBR applications with the aim of significantly reducing turnaround times for these applications by the end of this year.
250. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31424/22]
View answer251. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31432/22]
View answer253. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31434/22]
View answer255. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31436/22]
View answer256. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31437/22]
View answer257. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31438/22]
View answer258. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31439/22]
View answer261. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31442/22]
View answer262. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31443/22]
View answer263. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31444/22]
View answer264. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31445/22]
View answer265. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31446/22]
View answer270. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application for a child (details supplied) in County Tyrone that was submitted in March 2022 will be processed on time for travel on 26 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31469/22]
View answer272. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) in County Antrim that was submitted in April 2022 will be processed on time for the travel date of 18 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31471/22]
View answer273. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport for a child (details supplied) that was applied for in March 2022 will issue in time for travel on 26 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31472/22]
View answer274. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31488/22]
View answer275. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31489/22]
View answer278. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent and all requested documentation has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31492/22]
View answer281. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31495/22]
View answer282. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31496/22]
View answer286. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be dispatched for a person (details supplied) considering that it has exceeded the estimated issue date which was 6 June 2022 and considering that the applicant plans to travel on 20 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31500/22]
View answer291. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31545/22]
View answer292. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31546/22]
View answer295. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31549/22]
View answer296. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31550/22]
View answer298. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given the applicants date of travel is 17 June; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31552/22]
View answer299. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31553/22]
View answer301. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/22]
View answer302. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31556/22]
View answer303. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31557/22]
View answer307. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31561/22]
View answer308. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31562/22]
View answer309. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31563/22]
View answer311. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31565/22]
View answer312. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31566/22]
View answer313. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31567/22]
View answer314. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31568/22]
View answer315. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31569/22]
View answer316. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31570/22]
View answer321. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31575/22]
View answer322. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31576/22]
View answer323. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31577/22]
View answer324. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31578/22]
View answer325. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31579/22]
View answer326. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31580/22]
View answer327. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31581/22]
View answer328. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31582/22]
View answer329. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31583/22]
View answer330. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31584/22]
View answer331. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31585/22]
View answer333. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31587/22]
View answer334. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31588/22]
View answer336. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31590/22]
View answer337. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31591/22]
View answer338. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31592/22]
View answer339. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31593/22]
View answer341. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31595/22]
View answer343. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31597/22]
View answer344. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31598/22]
View answer345. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31599/22]
View answer346. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31600/22]
View answer347. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31601/22]
View answer348. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31602/22]
View answer349. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/22]
View answer350. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31604/22]
View answer351. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31605/22]
View answer353. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) whether any outstanding matters remain on the application; when it can be expected that the passport will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31637/22]
View answer361. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to siblings (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing these passports given that the applications were lodged on the 21 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31684/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 251, 253, 255, 256, 257, 258, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 270, 272, 273, 274, 275, 278, 281, 282, 286, 291, 292, 295, 296, 298, 299, 301, 302, 303, 307, 308, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 333, 334, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 353 and 361 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
266. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31447/22]
View answer276. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31490/22]
View answer284. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31498/22]
View answer285. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31499/22]
View answer287. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that a child’s passports (details supplied) will be processed on time for travel on 24 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31512/22]
View answer306. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31560/22]
View answer318. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31572/22]
View answer319. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31573/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 266, 276, 284, 285, 287, 306, 318 and 319 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update as to the steps they must take to progress their passport application.
267. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the processing delays on the part of the Irish service providers who have been hired by students to facilitate the procurement of JI visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31448/22]
View answerUS immigration regulation and visa operations are a matter solely for the US authorities, and my Department has no remit over the operations of the US Embassy Visa Service, or of private service providers processing J1 applications.
However, officials from my Department have contacted the named company to better understand the present situation. I understand that the company has processed the vast majority of applications that they have received for this summer's J1 programme, and that they are making significant efforts to deal with the remaining applications. I also understand that, should processing delays make it impossible for a customer to undertake their travel to the US, that refunds are provided by the company. My officials have underlined to the organisation the importance of timely processing of these applications in order to allow young Irish people the opportunity to undertake a summer working in the US, especially after recent years when this was not possible.
My Department also remains in regular communication with the US Embassy, who are working to reduce waiting times and have allocated significant additional resources to the processing of J1 visa applications. This development has resulted in a significant increase in the number being processed in recent weeks.
The J1 visa programme is a valuable part of facilitating mutually beneficial and enriching exchange between the US and Ireland, and we are keen to see participation in this programme return to pre-pandemic levels. Through the J1, thousands of young people are afforded the chance to work and travel in the US every year, forging connections and establishing valuable links between the two countries. Ease of travel is essential to protect our strong transatlantic connections, be that in business, academia, tourism or maintaining family connections.
268. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31452/22]
View answer271. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications for children (details supplied) which were submitted in April 2022 will be processed in time for travel on 16 July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31470/22]
View answer342. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the applicants date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31596/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 268, 271 and 342 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant.
269. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s position on the situation in western Sahara particularly with regard to a breach of a sentence in article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention by Morocco (details supplied); the response of Ireland and the European Union to decisions made by the United States of America in 2019 and by Spain in 2022 to recognise de-facto the Moroccan annexation of western Sahara as legitimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31467/22]
View answerIreland’s longstanding position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. The UN path is, in our view, the only path forward.During the United Nations Security Council consultations on Western Sahara on 21 April 2022, Ireland made clear its longstanding position and urged de-escalation. Ireland has consistently called on all parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 1991, to fulfil their obligations under international law, including ensuring full respect for human rights, and to refrain from taking any actions that could lead to further destabilisation of the situation on the ground. During the upcoming MINURSO mandate renewal process, Ireland will continue to promote our support of MINURSO, as well as our respect for human rights, accountability and compliance with international law.On 13 May, I met with the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares Bueno. During discussions, I raised the issue of Western Sahara and Spain’s recent decision to support the Moroccan autonomy plan. Throughout my discussion with Minister Albares, I reiterated Ireland’s position of full support of MINURSO.Ireland fully supports the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2602 on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. We do not have a view on the outcome of that decision so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
277. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31491/22]
View answer279. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31493/22]
View answer280. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31494/22]
View answer300. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31554/22]
View answer310. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31564/22]
View answer332. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31586/22]
View answer354. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); when it can be expected that the passport will issue given the expected issue date was 10 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31638/22]
View answer355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); when it can be expected that the passport will issue given the expected issue date was 10 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31639/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 279, 280, 300, 310, 332, 354 and 355 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the applications and progressed as appropriate.
