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Passport Applications Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2018

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Ceisteanna (59)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

59. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of reform of the passport application system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26062/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Passport application forms are distributed to members of the public through public offices such as post offices, garda stations and libraries. The same application form is applicable irrespective of whether the applicant is a renewal or a first time applicant. The notes accompanying the application form have recently been updated to include information on the Online Passport Application service which is available for adults renewing their passport. This Online Passport Application service was launched in March 2017 and since then over 200,000 Irish citizens have applied for their passport using this service. It is the cheapest and most convenient way for an adult to renew a passport as it can be done online anywhere in the world, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and removes the requirement for forms, witnesses or printed photos.

The Online Passport Application service is part of a wider Passport Reform Programme (2016 – 2021) which aims to roll out further online application services for other adult renewal categories and for children by the end of 2018. In 2015, as part of the launch of the Passport Reform Programme, a customer engagement survey was undertaken, the results of which indicated a very high level of interest in an online passport application service.

The continued uptake of the Online Passport Application service, along with the roll-out of online application options for further categories of applicants, has benefits for all categories of applicants. As more applications are processed online, resources within the Passport Office can be reallocated towards categories of applicants who experience longer processing times due to additional security checks being required, such as first time applicants or those with previously lost or stolen passports.

The Passport Service is committed to providing the highest level of service to customers and is satisfied that the Passport Service can best meet their needs by continuing to deliver major upgrades to the passport service technology platforms and business processes as well as making significant customer service improvements.

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