Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
365. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports currently being processed by the Passport Office; the current waiting time for a passport under the passport express service; the current waiting time for a passport through the regular passport application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24123/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is currently processing almost 80,000 applications. Total applications so far this year are up over 15% on the same period in 2016. Different turnaround times apply depending on whether the applications are for passport renewal, to replace a passport that has been lost, damaged or stolen or for a passport for the first time. At present the turnaround time for Passport Express renewals is fifteen working days, in line with the service target. First-time applications and applications related to passports that have been lost, damaged or stolen take twenty two working days, or two working days over the target. Turnaround times are updated weekly and made available on my Department’s website at www.dfa.ie/passport. While we are falling marginally behind our projected turnaround times for Passport Express applications, I believe the Passport Office is doing an impressive job considering the exceptionally high volumes of applications received in recent months.
The Online Passport Application Service which I launched on 30 March should assist in easing pressures in the coming months. The service allows adult citizens to renew their passports online twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, from wherever they are in the world. It offers considerable benefits in terms of convenience and a turnaround time of ten working days plus postage. In reality the majority of online applications are processed before this target.
Passport Express and the online renewal service are from now on the standard passport application processes. Most adult renewal applicants are eligible to use the online service. Given the considerable convenience and fast turnaround time it should be the default for all those who qualify. I urge all Deputies to encourage its use.
Subject to certain terms and conditions the Passport Service can facilitate applicants who need to travel at short notice by appointment at the Passport Offices in either Cork or Dublin. Those who wish to avail of this facility must make an appointment online at www.passportappointments.ie.
It is vital that passport applicants select the most appropriate application channel for their circumstances at the outset and I am grateful for the continued assistance of Deputies in advising their constituents. I would also ask Deputies to promote the free email renewal reminder service for all passports holders to help ensure that they apply in good time.
