Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
41. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding allocated to the delivery of the passport reform programme project in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering the programme; and the expected timeframe for completion of the programme. [12377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Reform Programme consists of over 25 individual projects and the award-winning online passport application service has been the most significant project launched under the Programme to date. Currently 45% of people who are eligible to apply online do so with a significantly reduced turnaround time.
The funding allocated to the Passport Reform Programme is €20m up to the end of 2021 and this is included in the estimates for Vote 28. The allocation for 2018 is €5.5m which will realise the expansion of the online passport application service to all categories of applicants renewing their passports including children. The replacement of our core technology system is ongoing with a target of expanding the online service to all applicants by the end of 2019
