Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
89. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for a foreign birth registration (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50730/23]
View answerDemand for Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 8 months from receipt of all required supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, an application was made online October 2020. The application form and supporting documents were submitted by the applicant in November 2022. Further supporting documents for the application were requested from the applicant August 2023. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents are submitted.
