Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
59. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a passport renewal is not considered on an emergency basis for employment purposes when the applicant is not currently resident in the State; if he will consider making changes to this procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41108/23]
View answerPassport Online is available to 99.9% of all passport applicants worldwide and works particularly well for adult renewal applications as over half of these applications are processed within 2 working days. While Irish embassies and consular missions overseas can issue travel documentation for emergencies, they have limited capacity to issue passports due to the efficiency of the centralised Passport Online platform.
The Passport Service has a dedicated Travel Emergency team that work to expedite passport applications in cases of genuine emergency such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad.
All applications raised through the Travel Emergency service are assessed on a case-by-case basis. There are a small number of additional reasons to travel that the Travel Emergency team may consider, depending on the evidence provided. This includes relocation from Ireland to another jurisdiction for employment purposes. Elected representatives may make representations to me on behalf of citizens should they wish to bring a specific case to my attention.
For applicants resident in Ireland, the Passport Service offers an Urgent Appointment Service whereby applicants who need to renew their passport urgently can book an appointment at either the Dublin or Cork passport offices. The Dublin passport office can issue a passport within 1 or 4 days, while the Cork passport office can issue a passport in 4 days.
Passport Online is now 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.
I would ask all Deputies to encourage citizens, regardless of their place of residence, to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
