asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state what is the reason for the delay in issuing passports to citizens of Saorstát Eireann who wish to travel abroad.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS ORAL ANSWERS. - ISSUING OF PASSPORTS.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
There is no delay in the issuing of passports to Irish citizens. Unfortunately there has been considerable delay in the introduction of our own passports. This was occasioned in the first place by the difficulty in getting passports made in Ireland to fulfil the requirements of the international design. This difficulty has been overcome, and the later delay arises from the necessity to make certain international arrangements. We are now waiting to hear that these arrangements are completed.