Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
116. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of passport application processing times through online and by post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33811/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend, in the first instance, on the channel through which the application was submitted. Most passport applications are still submitted through the Passport Express postal channel. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days. Other categories of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer due to additional security checks. The average turnaround time for first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports is currently 23 working days. The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. Over 50% of the 130,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have had their application processed within a week. The online service currently accommodates only adult renewals and passport card applications, but it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.
