Written Answers Nos 35-51
35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his Dutch counterpart regarding Brexit impacts; if he has met and fully discussed Brexit with all his EU Foreign Minister counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12154/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI discuss Brexit collectively with my EU27 counterparts on a monthly basis at the General Affairs Council (Art. 50). At this month’s meeting, which is taking place today, Michel Barnier will provide an update to the EU27 Member States on the progress made with the UK in advancing discussions on the draft Withdrawal Agreement. Draft additional guidelines for the next stage of the negotiations, and in particular the opening of negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship, will also be discussed in advance of the European Council (Art. 50) on Friday.
The update provided by Michel Barnier today – and the subsequent discussion among the EU27 – will, therefore, be important in shaping the outcome of the European Council (Art. 50).
Maintaining frequent bilateral contact with EU partners is also a priority. I met yesterday with Michel Barnier, which enabled an in-depth exchange on the Irish-specific issues, including the draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. I had a similar meeting with Mr Barnier in advance of February’s meeting of the GAC (Art. 50). On the same day, I also had a very useful exchange of views with the European Parliament’s Chief Negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt.
The Taoiseach, Minister of State McEntee and I have met bilaterally with many of our EU counterparts over the past months, and will continue to do so. Officials of my Department, and of course staff in our EU Missions, are in constant touch will colleagues throughout the Union.
My personal bilateral contacts with EU27 counterparts have, most recently, included meetings in February with Foreign Minister Linas Linkevièius of Lithuania and Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano of Italy. I look forward to visiting Stockholm next week, where my programme will include bilateral meetings with the Minister for European Affairs, Ann Linde, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Margot Wallström.
The Netherlands is also an important and likeminded partner on Brexit and frequent bilateral contact is maintained at both political and official level. The Taoiseach met with Prime Minister Rutte in Dublin on 6 December and I hope to meet with newly-appointed Foreign Minister Blok in the near future. Consultations at official level most recently took place on 12 February.
These meetings are allowing for valuable exchanges on the ongoing negotiations as well as wider discussion on the impact that Brexit will have on our respective economies.
36. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of passport waiting lists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12200/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport. These include a postal application system, an award winning online passport application service, in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork and the network of Irish Missions worldwide. The turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend, in the first instance, on the channel through which the application was submitted.
From 1 January – 14 March, the Passport Service received over 198,000 applications in total, an increase of 7% on the same period last year. The highest proportion of applications are submitted through the Passport Express postal channel. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through An Post Passport Express currently stands at 16 working days.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The vast majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. At present, the online service only accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications. It is planned to further extend the online passport application service to all renewals by the end of 2018. This award winning service will continue to make a major contribution to the effective management of exceptionally high application volumes. I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport application service where possible.
The Passport Service operates an appointment service in both the Dublin (Mount Street) and Cork offices where applicants who need their passport application processed in timeframes shorter than those offered by the Passport Express and online facility.
The Passport Service is doing everything possible to reduce the processing times for all types of application and to assist people as far as possible that are travelling soon. I am pleased to say that over 20 permanent staff have recently joined the Passport Service to address the increased demand for passports from Irish citizens worldwide. Further, the Passport Service is also this year employing over 220 temporary clerical officers to assist in processing applications during peak season.
The Department currently has a dedicated channel of communication for Oireachtas representatives. Owing to the pressure on the Passport Service’s resources, it has been necessary to centralise the Passport Service’s functions, including communication channels, to ensure resources are used effectively and accordingly, my office is the dedicated point of contact for public representatives. This ensures consistency, efficiency and fairness in responses to the queries of all public representatives. Any passport-related queries raised through this channel are dealt with without delay.
In all cases, applicants should not book travel until in possession of a valid passport and should allow plenty of time for a passport to issue in case any problems with the application arise in the course of processing. I am grateful to Deputies for their continued assistance in advising constituents to visit the Passport Service’s webpage on my Department’s website (www.dfa.ie/passport) before applying, and to sign up for our passport renewal reminder service at
www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/
37. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of State agency efforts to promote trade with Russia and Iran; and his views on whether all contact with Russia should be ceased due to its ongoing atrocities in Ghouta. [12265/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Embassy in Moscow, working with the state agencies, continues to raise awareness of Ireland as an attractive investment location and to support Irish companies present in Russia and those seeking to explore new market opportunities there. In December, I co-chaired the 11th meeting of the Ireland-Russia Joint Economic Commission in Dublin, where we discussed opportunities to promote bilateral trade and investment and advance cooperation in a number of sectors. Last month Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, led an Enterprise Ireland trade visit to Moscow.
Both Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia cover Iran from their Dubai offices and visit the country regularly. Both have organised trade missions in the past year. Shannon Development and the Irish Aviation Authority have also visited Iran in relation to particular sectors. The Irish Ambassador in Ankara has also visited Iran frequently, working both bilaterally and in cooperation with the state agencies to assist Irish companies exploring opportunities there.
In common with our European partners, Ireland supports the EU strategy of maintaining dialogue with Russia on issues of mutual interest. It is important that the EU engages with Russia on key global challenges such as migration, climate change, combatting terrorism, as well as regional conflicts, but only where it clearly contributes to a relationship with a Russia that is committed to the rule of law and international standards.
I also believe that maintaining dialogue and contact at national level with countries with whom we do not always agree is not only necessary, but is the very essence of Ireland’s approach to foreign policy. Our concerns over Russia’s actions in Syria and Ukraine impacts on the nature of such cooperation, but we believe it is important to keep channels of communication open and to develop our trade relations in the areas and sectors where trade is still possible. Trade relations, and promotion of Irish trade, is not a reward for good behaviour. It is a priority activity to support Irish jobs and livelihoods.
38. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Moscow or Tehran which are in receipt of State funding or support; and his views on whether it would be distasteful in view of those two countries' involvement in the ongoing atrocities in Ghouta. [12266/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to make clear my total condemnation of the ongoing bombardment of Eastern Ghouta. The attacks being directed at the civilian and humanitarian population are disproportionate. Ireland does not recognise the legitimacy of the 2014 Syrian Presidential Elections and has ceased all diplomatic or political contacts with the Assad regime. Ireland remains engaged through the EU in the International Syria Support Group and continues to support efforts to find a political resolution to the Syrian conflict.
St. Patrick’s Day provides Ireland with an unparalleled opportunity to promote our interests abroad. I believe that it is important to maintain dialogue and people-to-people contact, particularly in the cultural field, with countries with whom we do not always agree.
There is a small but well-established Irish community in Russia and St. Patrick’s Day is an important event in the Irish calendar. My Department and Culture Ireland provide funding for a number of events to mark the occasion in Moscow – an Irish Film Festival, a Day and Night Music Festival, a Dance Irish show and the St Patrick’s Day Parade. St Patrick’s Day receptions were held in Moscow and St Petersburg and Bord Bia ran a trade event at the Embassy. The Embassy also supported St. Patrick’s Day cultural events at the Russian State Library of Foreign Literature and the Russian State Children’s Library.
Ireland does not have an Embassy in Tehran. No St. Patrick’s Day events take place funded or otherwise supported by my Department.
39. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting times for the various categories of passport applications. [12283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport. These include a postal application system, an award winning online passport application service, in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork and the network of Irish Missions worldwide. The turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend in the first instance on the channel through which the application was submitted.
From 1 January – 14 March, the Passport Service received over 198,000 applications in total, an increase of 7% on the same period last year. The highest proportion of applications are submitted through the Passport Express postal channel. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through An Post Passport Express currently stands at 16 working days. The Passport Service is doing everything possible to reduce the processing times for all types of application and to assist people as far as possible that are travelling soon.
I am pleased to say that over 20 permanent staff have recently joined the Passport Service to address the increased demand for passports from Irish citizens worldwide. Further, the Passport Service is also this year employing over 220 temporary clerical officers to assist in processing applications during peak season. I wish to reassure the Deputy the Passport Service monitors the volume of applications on an ongoing basis to ensure that resources are available to meet demand.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The vast majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. At present, the online service only accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications. It is planned to further extend the online passport application service to all renewals by the end of 2018. This award winning service will continue to make a major contribution to the effective management of exceptionally high application volumes. I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport application service where possible.
The average turnaround time for postal applications submitted through the Passport Office in London is currently 24 working days for renewals and a minimum of 8 weeks for first-time applications. Applicants resident in Great Britain also have the option of submitting Passport Express applications through two selected post offices in Liverpool and Glasgow, with applications submitted through this channel taking an average 17 working days to process.
Applications submitted through the worldwide network of Irish Embassies and Consulates are currently taking a minimum 6 weeks to process from the date the application is registered at the Passport Office. Delivery times will vary depending on the location of the applicant.
The Passport Service operates a counter service in both the Dublin (Mount Street) and Cork offices where applicants who need their passport application processed in timeframes shorter than those offered by the Passport Express and online facility can be accommodated in certain circumstances.
In all cases, applicants should not book travel until in possession of a valid passport and should allow plenty of time for a passport to issue in case any problems with the application arise in the course of processing. I am grateful to Deputies for their continued assistance in advising constituents to visit the Passport Service’s webpage on my Department’s website (www.dfa.ie/passport) before applying, and to sign up for our passport renewal reminder service at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.
40. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the capital allocation for his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the areas in which this will be spent in each of these years, by particular projects and areas of investment. [12376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the recently published National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will have capital allocations in the period 2019 – 2022, across its two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 – Foreign Affairs and Trade) as follows:
2019 €17 million
2020 €13 million
2021 €13 million
2022 €14 million
The Department has not yet been advised of its 2023 capital allocation.
As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the Department’s Strategic Capital Investment Priorities for the period 2018-2022 will be as follows:
- Further announcements as part of the Doubling Our Global Footprint Initiative;
- The Passport Reform Programme;
- Investment in ICT infrastructure, and
- Investment in the State’s Global Property Portfolio, including the development of Ireland Houses with the State Agencies and the relevant Embassy in strategic locations.
At this stage, the Department is not yet in a position to provide information by particular project or by location for each of the years 2019-2023.
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
42. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding allocated to the delivery of the doubling the global footprint initiative in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering the initiative; and the expected timeframe for completion of the initiative. [12378/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra€2 million was allocated in Budget 2018 to cover initial expenditure by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the Doubling of the Global Footprint Initiative. Work has begun on the initial phase of the expansion of Ireland’s Diplomatic Network which includes the Government decision to open new Embassies in Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; Amman, Jordan; and Wellington, New Zealand; and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Canada and Mumbai, India.
Specific future allocations to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Government’s Global Footprint Initiative have not yet been decided.
The Department’s strategic capital investment priorities under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 are expected to include further announcements as part of the Doubling Our Global Footprint Initiative and investment in the State’s Global Property Portfolio, including the development of Ireland Houses with the State Agencies and the relevant Embassies in strategic locations.
Decisions on future allocations will be consistent with value for money principles, will provide clear benefits for the State, and will depend on a range of factors, including staff, office and accommodation needs.
43. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to cases in which Irish citizens were leaving the State for the purposes of conversion or reparative therapies; if his Department has attempted to cease or advise against travel for such an activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12379/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not been made aware of any recent cases in which Irish citizens were leaving the State for the purposes of conversion or reparative therapies.
As the deputy will be aware, any powers my department has to prevent any Irish citizen from travelling abroad are extremely limited and outlined in the Passports Act 2008.
Any citizen who finds themselves in distress abroad may contact the local Irish Embassy or Consulate to seek consular assistance.
My Department prepares and publishes travel advice to help people to make informed decisions about travel abroad. This is available on my Department’s website – www.dfa.ie and also via our smartphone app TravelWise. As well as country-specific advice for 200 countries, this also includes thematic travel advice covering certain categories of traveller and some particular risks and threats.
One of the areas of thematic advice offered covers issues relevant to LGBTI citizens travelling abroad. This advice describes how attitudes towards sexual orientation and gender identity can vary from country to country in a variety of ways, both legal and social, and advises that citizens should undertake research before travelling. Our advice also encourages LGBTI travellers who encounter any difficulty abroad to contact the local Irish Embassy or Consulate, emphasising that our missions offer non-judgemental advice and support for all Irish citizens regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or any other criteria.
44. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister, Gilad Erdan, has informed an Israeli newspaper (details supplied) that he is actively lobbying a 75% taxpayer-owned bank (details supplied) here to close the accounts of a group; if he has been personally lobbied by an Israeli Minister on this issue; his views on this campaign by the Israeli Government and attempts to meddle in the affairs of Irish civil society groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the newspaper report referred to. However, I have not myself been lobbied in this regard and I am unaware of any actual lobbying on this basis.
While the Government does not support a policy of “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions”, it is a legitimate and non-violent political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as hostile.
The Government firmly opposes the policy known as ‘BDS’, which advocates a boycott of Israel, and which does not make a distinction between the State of Israel and illegal settlements in occupied territory. Nevertheless, the Government would be disappointed if a civil society organisation in this country engaging in lawful activities, including advocacy on non-violent policies, was unable to function due to banking difficulties, even if the Government does not agree with the views they might espouse. The free operation of civil society is an essential element in a democracy.
45. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on Ireland's contribution to attempting to halt the atrocities continuing to be committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar; the aid Ireland is providing to these refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12498/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the months since military security operations began in Rakhine State, Myanmar in August 2017, more than 680,000 refugees, mostly Rohingya, have fled to Bangladesh resulting in a large scale humanitarian crisis. The exodus of refugees has been accompanied by credible claims of serious human rights violations by the Myanmar Security Forces. These include reports of widespread killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, arbitrary arrests, and the burning of Rohingya villages.
Since the most recent escalation of violence last year, Ireland has sought to deploy political pressure with the aim of easing the crisis. This has been done both through bilateral contacts in Myanmar and via participation in the EU and UN responses. We have consistently called for an end to the violence in Rakhine State, for the respect of international human rights law and for the restoration of humanitarian access and humanitarian aid to the region, with safety assured for those who provide it.
Ireland has also called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of human rights violations by the Myanmar security forces. We have supported the establishment and extension of the mandate of the UN Fact Finding Mission, and have asked the Government of Myanmar to cooperate with this team. We have also expressed support for the UN Special Rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee and have called on Myanmar to allow her access to the country.
Ireland has actively engaged in the formation of the EU’s position including in the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council’s Council Conclusions on Myanmar, which were adopted on 26 February last. These conclusions condemn the human rights violations in Myanmar, and call for the implementation of the findings of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. The conclusions also invite High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini to make proposals for targeted restrictive measures against senior military officers of the Myanmar armed forces responsible for serious human rights violations. I would like to express my support of these conclusions and hope that they will send a clear message to those in military control in Myanmar.
Most recently, Minister of State Cannon addressed the 37th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 27 February where he outlined Ireland’s ongoing concerns at the situation in Myanmar and reiterated our support for the work of the Fact Finding Mission and Special Rapporteur Lee.
Minister of State Cannon met with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Kyaw Tin at the Asia Europe (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Myanmar in November last, where he had the opportunity to raise Ireland’s concerns directly with the Myanmar Government.
Ireland and the international community are also continuing to support the humanitarian response to the refugee crisis. In October 2017, the EU hosted a Pledging Conference on the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Geneva where Ireland pledged €2 million in direct support. We provided €1 million 2017, and an additional €1 million has been allocated for 2018. In addition, Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps have provided humanitarian expertise to the international response.
My Department will continue to liaise closely with EU and other international partners to contribute to the international response to this issue including through our Embassy in Thailand who are closely monitoring the situation.
46. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports that Israeli forces disguised as Palestinian students entered Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank of Palestine and abducted the head of the university's student council on 7 March 2018 (details supplied); if he will speak out against this operation and aggression; and if he will contact his Israeli counterpart to protest same. [12600/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the incident in question, which is certainly a disquieting one.
I am aware of course that Israel has to contend with very real security threats. Ireland cannot raise every individual action of concern that takes place in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, not least in a case such as this, where I have no information on what was the basis for arrest of the individual concerned.
However, this type of heavy-handed security operation, which does not generally accompany arrests made in the State of Israel, underlines why Ireland gives such a high priority to efforts to bring about an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, and to the occupation.
As is regularly reported to the Oireachtas, Ireland does of course frequently make known to the Israeli authorities our concerns about the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian Territory . We also highlight the very many ways in which the conduct of the occupation affects the Palestinian people, frequently in contravention of their rights. My Department and I shall continue to raise these issues at appropriate opportunities.
47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the request to establish a passport office in County Monaghan as discussed at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence is being given further consideration in view of the increased demand in Northern Ireland for Irish passports and the need to provide such services in this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service offers a range of convenient channels for submission of passport applications by Irish citizens, at home and abroad. Advice and guidance on these channels and other useful information on passports is available on the Department’s website at www.dfa.ie/passport.
The award-winning online Passport Renewal service for adults was launched in March 2017 and offers the convenience of an online application system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Irish citizens anywhere in the world, without the need for application forms, printed photos or witnesses.
People who cannot or do not wish to apply online have the option of applying through their local post office. In 2017, over 400,000 citizens availed of this option and submitted their passport application through the network of more than one thousand post offices across the State. The Northern Ireland Passport Express service offers an equivalent service to those living in Northern Ireland from more than 70 of its post offices.
Bearing in mind the availability of both the online and postal application channels, very few citizens living in the island of Ireland are required to travel a significant distance in order to apply for their passport. In the relatively small number of cases where citizens need to travel very urgently and do not have a valid passport, the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork offer an appointment service.
I would further note that it is already planned to extend the online application facility to all renewals by the end of 2018.
Therefore taking into account all these circumstances, I am satisfied that the range of options available meets the current needs of passport applicants, without the establishment of a further passport office.
48. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports awaiting processing through the An Post Passport Express system; the reason for the delays in the processing of passports; his plans to hire new staff to deal with the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport, including postal channels, an award winning online application service, in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork and through the network of Irish Missions worldwide.
The Passport Service is currently processing over 66,000 passport applications. Of these applications, just over 39,000 were received through the Passport Express channel. These applications are going through the normal checking, processing and security stages. From 1 January – 14 March this year, the Passport Service received over 198,000 applications in total, an increase of 7% on the same period last year.
The highest proportion of applications are submitted through the Passport Express postal channel. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through An Post Passport Express currently stands at 16 working days. Recent weeks have seen unusually high turnaround times for this type of application but these have reduced and stabilised as more resources have been directed to managing high application volumes. Other types of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications, are taking longer.
The Passport Service is doing everything possible to reduce the processing times for all types of application and to assist people as far as possible that are travelling soon. It is expected that turnaround time will return to the target of 15 working day for all types of Passport Express applications in the coming days.
I am pleased to say that over 20 permanent staff have recently joined the Passport Service to address the increased demand for passports from Irish citizens worldwide. Further, the Passport Service is also this year employing over 220 temporary clerical officers to assist in processing applications during peak season . I wish to reassure the Deputy the Passport Service monitors the volume of applications on an ongoing basis to ensure that resources are available to meet demand.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The vast majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. This renewal service for adult applicants offers the convenience of an online application service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Irish citizens anywhere in the world, without the need for application forms, printed photos or witnesses. I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport renewal service where possible.
The Passport Service operates a counter service in both the Dublin (Mount Street) and Cork offices where applicants who need their passport application processed in timeframes shorter than those offered by the Passport Express and online facility can be accommodated in certain circumstances. The appointment booking service for counter applications and detailed information on all application channels can be found on the Passport Service’s website, www.DFA.ie/passport. The Passport Service strongly advises all applicants to check their passport when making travel plans and to check the Passport Service’s website for the most appropriate channel through which to submit their application.
49. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the turnaround time for the An Post Passport Express applications is approximately two weeks longer than the turnaround time stated on his Department's website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of March 20, the average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through An Post Passport Express stands at 16 working days. Average processing times for all categories of passport application are updated regularly on the Passport Service’s website, www.dfa.ie/passport and reflect actual average turnaround time at the time of writing.
An exceptionally large volume of passport applications received in the first two months of the year, as well as knock-on effects from the severe weather conditions at the beginning of the month and the subsequent closure of the Dublin and Cork passport offices, have contributed to increased turnaround times. The Passport Service is working hard to minimise the impact on turnaround times and continues to closely monitor the level of passport demand to ensure that all resources, including staffing, are effectively deployed. Additional measures taken by the Passport Service include the recruitment of additional staff and the use of targeted overtime.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the award winning online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The vast majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. At present, the online service only accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications. It is planned to further extend the online passport application service to all renewals by the end of 2018. I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport renewal service where possible.
The Passport Service operates an appointment service in both the Dublin and Cork offices where applicants who need their passport application processed in timeframes shorter than those offered by the Passport Express and online facility can be accommodated in certain circumstances. The appointment booking service for counter applications and detailed information on all application channels can be found on the Passport Service’s website, www.DFA.ie/passport. The Passport Service strongly advises all applicants to check their passport when making travel plans and to check the Passport Service’s website for the most appropriate channel through which to submit their application.
50. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting time for a passport applied for through the online renewal service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe award-winning online passport application service for adults was launched in March 2017 and offers the convenience of an online application system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Irish citizens anywhere in the world, without the need for application forms, printed photos or witnesses
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The vast majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. At present, the online service only accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications. It is planned to further extend the online passport application service to all renewals by the end of 2018.
I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport application service where possible. I am grateful to Deputies for their continued assistance in advising constituents to visit the Passport Service’s webpage on my Department’s website (www.dfa.ie/passport) before applying, and to sign up for our passport renewal reminder service at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/ .
51. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting times for a passport applied for through the Passport Express service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12702/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is currently processing an exceptionally high volume of applications. From 1 January – 14 March, the Passport Service received over 198,000 passport applications in total, an increase of 7% on the same period last year. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through An Post Passport Express currently stands at 16 working days. The Passport Service is doing everything possible to reduce the processing times for all types of application and to assist people as far as possible that are travelling soon.
I am pleased to say that over 20 permanent staff have recently joined the Passport Service to address the increased demand for passports from Irish citizens worldwide. Further, the Passport Service is also this year employing over 220 temporary clerical officers to assist in processing applications during peak season. I wish to reassure the Deputy the Passport Service monitors the volume of applications on an ongoing basis to ensure that resources are available to meet demand.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The vast majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. At present, the online service only accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications. It is planned to further extend the online passport application service to all renewals by the end of 2018. I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport renewal service where possible.
The Passport Service operates a counter service in both the Dublin (Mount Street) and Cork offices where applicants who need their passport application processed in timeframes shorter than those offered by the Passport Express and online facility can be accommodated in certain circumstances. The appointment booking service for counter applications and detailed information on all application channels can be found on the Passport Service’s website, www.DFA.ie/passport. The Passport Service strongly advises all applicants to check their passport when making travel plans and to check the Passport Service’s website for the most appropriate channel through which to submit their application.
