Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
147. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expand the current Passport Service and open a number of regional passport offices to cover the different counties outside Dublin and Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29685/23]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports, and has issued over 536,000 passports to date in 2023. All turnaround times are at their target level, and there are no backlogs. The Customer Service Hub is responding to an average of 15,000 queries per week.
We are currently in the busiest season for passports, as citizens prepare for upcoming summer holidays. The Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork operate an Urgent Appointment service for passport renewals, with a one or four day turnaround in Dublin and a four day turnaround in Cork. However, since over half of all simple adult online renewals issue within two working days, for many, the Passport Online service is even faster than the 4 day urgent appointment service offered at our public counters. There are almost 700 appointments available per week, which applicants can avail of using the online booking system. Due to the complex nature of first-time applications, it is not possible to process these at the public offices.
It is important to note that the Passport Service public counters do not function as a walk-in service for passport queries. The Urgent Appointment service operates by appointment only. Applicants who have a query about their application should contact the Passport Service Customer Service Hub via phone or webchat. The Passport Service website also provides comprehensive guidance to applicants in relation to all aspects of the application process, from video guides to tracking an application in real time.
Passport Online is by far the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to apply for a passport. It is an award winning online platform, which places the Irish Passport Service amongst the most innovative in the world. Through Passport Online, citizens also have the option of applying for a passport card, which is valid for travel in the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK. Over 90% of applicants across the world now apply using Passport Online, and that figure will continue to grow as the Passport Service's Digital First strategy continues to roll out. Passport Online has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing resulting in greater efficiencies for the Service and for customers.
In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, I am confident that the range of service options available meets the current needs of passport applicants. The Department is of the view that a strong business case cannot currently be made for opening additional passport offices. Furthermore, recent service improvements allow the Passport Service to provide this essential citizen service in an efficient and effective manner.
The Passport Service will continue to consider ways that it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live.
