Passport Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016

Tuesday, 27 September 2016

Ceisteanna (469)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

469. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason those resident in the Six Counties who wish to obtain passport application forms from post office branches here are now being advised that they may only obtain the necessary forms applicable to such applicants from post office outlets located in Northern Ireland; his views on whether such a policy unfairly discriminates against Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland, particularly those residing in Border regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26680/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Citizens who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland can avail of the Northern Ireland Passport Express service to send their passport applications. For a majority of residents this is the most convenient channel.

Applications are accepted by the Passport Service via other channels, including Passport Express operated in partnership with An Post. The APS2E and APS2G (Irish language) forms should be used due to different witnessing arrangements for residents in Northern Ireland. Stocks of APS2 forms are supplied regularly to post offices across Ireland, including in border regions, on demand.