Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
401. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will allocate more resources and staff to the passport offices to assist in the timely processing of passport applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been a surge in passport applications in recent months. There are currently over 70,000 applications in the system. Between 1 January and 31 March over 250,000 applications were received, representing an increase of 26% over the same period last year. The current processing time for adult renewal applications is 16 working days (just one day over the target turnaround time of 15 working days). Some categories, such as first-time applicants and those reporting their passports lost or stolen have taken longer, due to extra security checks.
The exceptional volume of applications is likely be sustained into the summer months and my Department has worked hard to put in place a number of measures, including additional staffing resources, to mitigate the impact.
A total 230 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) have been assigned to the Passport Service to assist with the processing of passport applications and to respond to customer queries via phone, email and social media. This is an increase of 59 officers over the number recruited in 2015. The great majority of these TCOs are already in place and the remaining officers are expected to join in the coming weeks. My Department has also requested the Public Appointments Service to assign additional Clerical and Executive Officers to fill recent vacancies in the Passport Service.
The new Online Passport Application Service for adults renewing their passport which I launched last week will assist greatly in managing increased volumes of applications in the months and years ahead and in meeting target turnaround times. The service allows citizens to renew their passport books and cards online twenty four hours a day from wherever they are in the world. It removes the requirement to have a form witnessed and is a fast, secure and convenient way to renew a passport.
I have circulated a note to all Deputies on the new online service and I would appreciate assistance in raising awareness among constituents. I would also ask the Deputy to continue to help promote good practice in his communications with constituents. As a matter of best practice and to avoid unnecessary stress, applicants should allow six weeks for a passport application. Applicants should check the validity of their passport before booking travel. If travel is already booked, applicants should consult the Passport Office website to ensure they use the correct channel for their application. The Passport Office offers a free renewal reminder email service to Passport holders and I urge passport holders to avail of this service. See www.dfa.ie for more information.
I will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff and other resources in order to minimise the impact of the exceptionally high demand on turnaround times for applicants and on customer service.
