Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
275. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the circumstances under which a person applying for a passport can have an application expedited; and the process in place for such cases. [15128/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplicants with no immediate travel plans or who are travelling in three weeks or more should submit their application through the An Post Passport Express Service. Passport Express is the cheapest and most convenient option for applicants and is available at post offices nationwide.
The target turnaround time for standard, accurately completed passport applications submitted via Passport Express is 15 working days. Applicants are advised that this is a guideline rather than a guarantee of service and that current average turnaround times may be consulted at the www.dfa.ie/passport site. There are currently over 70,000 passport applications in the system and average turnaround times for Passport Express applications lodged through the An Post network are 16 working days for renewals at present.
In all cases, I strongly recommend that people check the expiry of their passports before they book travel and that they apply at least six weeks before the date of intended travel.
There are certain circumstances under which passport applications can be expedited. Applicants travelling in less than 15 working days (three weeks) in the case of renewals and 20 working days (four weeks) in the case of first time applicants should make an appointment online at www.passport.ie to attend the Passport Offices in Dublin or Cork in person.
Applicants can also request to have an application expedited in the case of very urgent travel within three days. There are a limited number of these rapid renewal appointments available through the online system and they are posted at 12.30 pm the day before. Applicants are required to show proof of travel as evidence of the need to expedite the application. A fee of €55, which is additional to the applicable fee for the issue of a passport, must be paid by the applicant. An expedited service is not provided in first-time adult applicant cases and cannot be guaranteed where an applicant cannot produce his/her previous passport due to loss or theft. Cases where a passport is required for travel necessitated by an emergency such as the death or illness of a family member receive the highest priority.
It is very important that the applicant choose the most appropriate channel at the outset and I am grateful for the continued assistance of Deputies in advising constituents. The Passport Express service is for applicants who have no immediate travel plans. Those who are travelling in less than three weeks should make an appointment online.
The Passport Service offers a free email reminder service to passport holders whose passports are due for renewal and I would also urge the Deputy to promote use of this facility where possible. See:www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/top-passport-questions/when-should-i-apply-for-a-new-passport/.
