Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2018
173. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the target and actual turnaround time for passport applications across all passport services in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTurnaround times for passport applications in Ireland are outlined in the following tables:
|
Type of Passport Application |
Current Average Turnaround Times |
|
Online Passport Application |
7 working days |
|
An Post Passport Express Renewal Applications |
16 working days |
|
An Post Passport Express First Time Application, Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements |
25 working days |
|
Northern Ireland Passport Express Renewal Applications Northern Ireland Passport Express First Time Application, |
15 working days |
|
Northern Ireland Passport Express Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements |
25 working days |
|
Type of Passport Application |
Current Target Turnaround Times |
|
Online Passport Application |
10 working days |
|
An Post Passport Express Renewal Applications |
15 working days |
|
An Post Passport Express First Time Application, Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements |
20 working days |
|
Northern Ireland Passport Express Renewal Applications |
15 working days |
|
Northern Ireland Passport Express First Time Application, Northern Ireland Passport Express Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements |
20 working days |
Information on turnaround times for passport applications is updated weekly on the Passport Service website, www.dfa.ie/passport. 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. Applications in other categories, such as first time applicants or those involving lost or stolen passports, take longer as additional checks are undertaken.
The award winning online passport application service, which was launched in March last year, allows adult citizens to renew their passports online from anywhere in the world without any paperwork or witnesses. The target turnaround time for online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage time. The majority of online applications are currently being processed within 7 working days, well ahead of target. As more applicants avail of the service, the efficiency gains will help improve turnaround times more broadly.
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. Appointments for this counter service can be booked online at www.passportappointments.ie.
