Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
626. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department or agencies under the authority of his Department have performed an assessment of the potential savings to be accrued, if current paper-based application processes by members of the public were replaced with a fully on-line application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30141/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress has been made on the Consular Services side of my Department in providing online application processes. Both applications for Citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration and applications for Certificats de Coutume (letters of freedom to marry or enter a civil partnership abroad) use online systems to launch applications. However, while this has resulted in more efficient processing, in both these cases it remains necessary for applicants to submit original supporting documentation, including birth and other certificates, to prove their entitlement. Therefore, a totally on-line service is not possible, as original documents must be physically seen to be assessed for authenticity.
We also provide an e-apostille system which is an online service which allows users worldwide to check the veracity of Irish documents for use abroad which have been authenticated by my Department. This provides a speedier and more responsive service for applicants, but has not delivered significant cost savings.
In terms of passport applications, the application process for the passport card, which is due to be launched in September, will be used to pilot an online system which could be used in due course for adults wishing to renew their passports. An assessment of potential savings and customer service improvements likely from an online service will be undertaken as part of the pilot.
The Reconciliation Fund - formerly known as the Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds - awards grants to organisations (mainly small community groups) working to address sectarianism and to further peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. The Fund currently operates a paper-based application system. Options for a Departmental-wide approach to an on-line application process for funding schemes will be considered by the Department’s Knowledge Management Working Group in 2016 and potential cost savings will be considered as part of that exercise.
