Vol. 420 No. 4
120 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that some citizens are experiencing in obtaining Garda signatures and/or consents when completing their passport application forms; if he will ensure that the same guidelines which are on display in the Passport Office in respect to the completion of application forms are used by the Gardaí, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are not aware of difficulties being experienced on any significant scale by citizens in having their passport applications processed by the Garda authorities. An average of 180,000 passports are issued each year and it is understandable given the large number involved that problems can arise in relation to individual applications. Irish passports enjoy a high reputation internationally and it is essential in maintaining this reputation that the gardaí exercise considerable care in verifying the identity of applicants. Overall I am assured by the Garda authorities that their present arrangements for establishing and certifying the identity of applicants for passports are working satisfactorily.
