Emer Higgins
Question:173. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Irish passport redesign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50202/23]
View answerThursday, 30 November 2023
Questions (173)
Written answers
My Department, via the Passport Service, has responsibility for issuing all Irish Passports under the Passports Act 2008. The Passport Service continues to experience growth in demand from Irish citizens in relation to the processing and issuance of passports. This demand is expected to continue due to demographic changes, continued increases in overseas travel by Irish citizens and other external factors. Preventing, identifying, and combatting the changing profile of fraud, while maintaining the strong reputation of the Irish passport is a key focus for the Passport Service.
The existing Irish passport, first issued in 2013, is a vital document of the Irish State and was recently ranked 4th in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 190 countries. Frequent passport redesigns with enhanced security features are recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Therefore, the upcoming redesign is central to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Irish passport.
Passport design and printing is a complex process, requiring specific configuration of high-security machines, bespoke page layouts, inks and security features. Following an open procurement process last year, the Passport Service appointed a passport designer to assist in designing the new passport book, card and other related travel documents.
My Department also ran a consultation over the summer seeking input from the public on aspects of Ireland’s diverse natural environment, which will feature as part of the new passport book and card design. This public consultation received over 15,000 replies and is helping to inform the design considerations for the new passport book. The results of the consultation are expected to be released before the end of the year. It should be noted that the redesign relates primarily to the internal security pages of the passport, rather than the burgundy cover and distinctive harp emblem.
A procurement process for a passport manufacturer is currently underway and will take a number of months to complete. Subject to a successful procurement exercise it is envisaged that the next generation passport will launch before the end of 2025.