Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
32. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to reinstate the secure email verification system trialled following a proposal in June 2022 in respect of that proposal for Passport Office officials to verify Garda log entries by a designated email process (details supplied) before rolling out the procedure nationwide. [14741/24]
View answerThe Passport Service has issued over 300,000 passports to date this year. The majority of online adult renewal applications issue within two working days and over 90% of applicants now apply online.
The 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 3rd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 192 countries.
Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications. The witnessing of passport forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person submitting the passport application form. In the case of children, it is essential that the Passport Service verifies the consent of the child’s guardians before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and their guardians.
There are certain passport applications for first time applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. Forms required to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána include:
• Certificate of Identity on Post Passport (paper) applications (section 8 and 9 of the application form)
• Identity Verification Forms for First time adult online applications
• Child Identity and Consent Forms for First time child online applications
For each application that requires a Garda witness, the Passport Service calls the relevant Garda station to confirm that the details were recorded in the station logbook. Passport Service staff will attempt to call the relevant Garda station up to three times to verify the Garda's signature.
During the peak period for passport demand in 2022, an email verification system was established between the Passport Service and An Garda Síochána to verify applications in cases where the Garda signature could not be verified by calling the Garda station. This system was paused at the beginning of September 2022 and the Passport Service now contacts the relevant Superintendent’s Office to verify the details if the Garda Station cannot be contacted by phone after three attempts. This system is working well.
The Passport Service maintains a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and offers training and guidance to Gardaí on the correct completion of the required identity and consent forms. The Passport Service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for applicants, including the enhancements of digital services. My Department would welcome the digitisation of the records maintained by An Garda Síochána when witnessing applications.
