Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:78 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has to establish a passport office in Galway city to serve Galway city and the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3591/01]
Written Answers. - Passport Applications.
There are no plans to open a passport office in Galway. The reliability and efficiency of the passport service has improved significantly in recent years and there are now no delays in the issuing of passports. More than 94 per cent of all correctly completed applications received at the passport offices in Dublin and Cork are processed within ten working days. In addition, the localised nature of the passport express service available at more than 1,000 post offices throughout the State makes passports available more quickly and conveniently than previously. There is therefore no need now for applicants for passports, who apply in time, to call in person to a passport office.