Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
126. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which his Department is meeting the expressed time targets with respect to turnaround time both for the renewal and issuing of passports both express and online in the past six months; the body which reviews these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22563/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which his Department is meeting targets as outlined through the various media with respect to turnaround time both for the renewal and issuing of passports both express and online in the past six months; the body which reviews these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22564/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
The turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend, in the first instance, on the channel through which the application was submitted. The Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport. These include a postal application system, online passport application service, in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork and the network of Irish Missions worldwide.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The majority of online applications are currently being processed within 5 working days, well ahead of target. The online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to other categories of renewals by the end of 2018.
The highest proportion of applications are submitted through the An Post Passport Express postal channel. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days.
Other types of application, which are generally submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer. First time applications and applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports have a target turnaround time of 20 days and are currently taking 32 working days to process. Such applications must undergo additional processes including security checks.
The Passport Service is currently in its peak season for passport demand with the vast majority of applications being received between February and August each year. The Passport Service has kept its turnaround targets constant over the last 6 months in spite of continuously increasing application volumes.
Turnaround targets are determined on the basis of available resources and projected demand. Turnaround times are among a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by which the Passport Service measures its success in delivering a modern and responsive public service. The operation and performance of the Passport Service is overseen by the management board and the Secretary General of my Department. Measures taken by the Passport Service to minimise the impact of peak time application volumes on turnaround times for all categories of applications include the recruitment of additional staff and the use of targeted overtime for all Passport Offices.
The Passport Service received sanction this year for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) for appointment to the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. All TCOs in this intake have been fully trained and placed since March. These TCOs are working together with permanent staff to process passport applications and to deal with the high number of enquiries being made through the Passport Service’s various customer service channels.
The number of Full Time Equivalent staff permanently employed by my Department and assigned to the Passport Service stood at 322 at the beginning of the year. This compares to 310. Full Time Equivalent staff assigned to the Passport Service at the same point last year. In addition, over 20 additional permanent staff have been assigned to the Passport Service in 2018.
My Department has an extensive communication strategy to promote good practice amongst passport holders when planning to travel abroad. We regularly advise applicants of 3 golden rules:
- to check the validity of the passports in advance of booking travel;
- to apply at least 6 weeks in advance of their travel plans; and
- for eligible adults renewing their passport to consider the Online Passport Renewal Service passport application online facility, which is a fast, secure way for adults renewing their passport. Current average turnaround times, detailed & regularly updated information on passport services and comprehensive guides to the various application processes can be consulted at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website www.dfa.ie/passport.
The Passport Service continues to work closely with Communications Unit of An Post to ensure that information disseminated by An Post staff is accurate and up-to-date.
