Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
151. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an EONI electoral identity card can be accepted as a form of photo identification through the passport application process; if this message is clearly communicated to Northern citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27974/23]
View answerThe Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 6th in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 188 countries. Accordingly, a rigorous analysis process is in place to verify the identity and citizenship status of first time applicants.
All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. Under Section 7 of the Act, the Passport Service may require the applicant to produce such documents as are considered necessary for the purposes of issuing a passport.
Government issued photographic identification is required for all first time adult passport applications, in order for the Passport Service to establish the identity of the applicant. This can be a Public Services Card, an original passport from another country or a certified copy of a driver’s licence (certified by a solicitor or notary public). The Passport Service does not accept Electoral Identity Cards issued by the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland as these are not government issued photographic identification.
The Passport Service website outlines the documentary requirements for first time applicants residing in Northern Ireland: www.dfa.ie/passports/documentary-requirements/anadult/firsttimeapplicantbornontheislandofireland/.
The Passport Service understands that a very small number of applicants will not hold any of the specified types of government issued photographic identification. These applicants may contact the Passport Service for further information on how their identity may be verified.
