Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017
224. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact the introduction of a new online passport processing facility will have on processing times for all passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18571/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the Online Passport Application Service on 30 March. The service is safe, fast and convenient and it allows adult Irish citizens to renew their passports from anywhere in the world on their personal computers, tablets or mobile phones. They can do so twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. The target turnaround time for online applications is ten working days plus postage. This is five working days under the Passport Express target of fifteen working days.
The response to the online service has been very positive and as of 10 April approximately 7,000 applications had been received through this channel. This is a relatively small proportion of the 72,000 passport applications currently in the system but as more applicants avail of the online service, the efficiency gains will help improve processing times more generally. Current turnaround times for all categories of application will continue to be available for consultation on my Department’s website. These are updated weekly.
I would urge Deputies to encourage eligible applicants to make use of the Online Passport Application Service as a secure and convenient way to renew their passports. Furthermore, citizens can also avail of the free passport renewal reminder service at https://www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.
