asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement indicating the steps, if any, he has taken to provide an adequate service to the public by the Passport Office.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Passport Office.
15.
I am satisfied that the Passport Office provides a good standard of service to the Irish public. Last year we dealt with 185,000 applications, most of which were processed within a week. This level of service was maintained even at the height of the travel rush in May and June when reduced air fares to holiday destinations led to a significant increase in demand for urgent passports.
The operation of the Passport Office is under constant review and work procedures, equipment and office layout are being continually reassessed in an effort to promote efficiency and enhance the service to the public.
In line with this ongoing process of improvement, I have taken the following steps, first the introduction of a new telephone system which incorporates extra lines, a queuing system and, for after hours callers, a taped message setting out the basic requirements for applicants; second, a major structural alteration of the public waiting area in the office. These renovations which are currently nearing completion will provide larger and more comfortable accommodation for members of the public and, third, an updating of the office's computer system to take account of technological advances since the introduction of the system some ten years ago.
In addition to the foregoing, talks have been held between representatives of the Irish Travel Agents' Association and officials of my Department on how to increase public awareness of the need to apply in good time for passports. This is very important. Over 60,000 leaflets have been distributed to members of the ITAA and other interested parties, whose co-operation I very much appreciate in this regard. Plans are also in hand to launch in the very near future a publicity campaign in the national press and television to encourage the public to apply in good time for passports.
As in the previous years, I will monitor closely the level of applications and should the need arise I will arrange for extra temporary staff to be employed.
I would point out that except in cases of genuine emergency, passports are not available on demand. In order to avoid a last minute rush and the risk of not having their passport in time, I would appeal to those intending to holiday abroad this year to check that they have an up-to-date passport and, if not, to apply in good time by post when they will get immediate action.
Is the Minister satisfied with the operation of the sub-office in Cork which has now completed its 12 month experimental stage and, if so, will he now upgrade that office to a full passport office as was the intention when it was opened originally?
That appears to be a separate question.
Irrespective of whether I am satisfied or not with regard to the Cork office I will make specific inquiries if that is the Deputy's wish and I will communicate with him.
Will the new queueing arrangements include the queue outside on the street as well as those inside the building? The concern last year was the large queue visible outside on the street. Is the Minister assuring us that if staff are needed, even on a temporary basis, they will be provided and that these queues will not be repeated this year?
More space is being provided internally for people waiting for the receipt of documentation. That is the way we are approaching it. I hope there will be a reduction in the number of people who will have to wait out on the pavement. They will be accommodated in enhanced areas within and under shelter.
The time has now come to deal with the questions nominated for priority. Question No. 44 in the name of Deputy Michael Higgins has been disposed of.
Deputy Barry complained about this before but they have changed the rules.
I have suffered a loss myself on Question No. 17.
My loss is mitigated by the Minister's commitment.
Thank you very much indeed. The Deputy and I appreciate commitments.
We can have a full bash-up on Question No. 47 as we have a full quarter of an hour.