Enda Kenny
Ceist:244 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent to date on developing an on-line passport application service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11969/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 March 2006
Ceisteanna (224)
Freagraí scríofa
As stated previously, the development of an on-line passport application service is the subject of ongoing discussions with Reach with a view to agreeing the infrastructure, the time schedule and the costs which are likely to be involved. In this regard, it was first necessary to complete the development and installation of the new passport system before full consideration of the project. In the circumstances, no funding has been required or spent to date on the project. It is hoped that significant progress in advancing this project will be made in 2006. However, at the same time, I should make the point that the particular priority this year will be to deliver on the biometric e-passport project in order, among other things, to ensure that Ireland remains within the US visa waiver system.