Passport demand is currently running at a level 12% above other comparable years and this has resulted in a temporary backlog of approximately 4 days in the processing of Passport Express applications. The Passport Service regrets the delay and any difficulties caused in this regard. Notice of the current extended turnaround time and its likely duration has been published on the Passport Service website www.passport.ie since 18 April 2011. It is regularly updated. The Passport Service has also informed An Post so that customers can be advised of the situation at the point of application
The exceptional peak season demand on all passport services is being tackled by the recruitment of 85 additional temporary staff and the use of overtime. The ongoing efforts in this regard will see the Passport Service bring processing times back to normal levels in the coming weeks.
In terms of the application in question, a parent of the applicant was in direct contact with the Passport Service's Customer Care Unit to arrange the collection of the applicant's passport, which was issued on 16 June.