Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
97. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter in regard to a new passport processing facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15138/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing levels of many units in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its missions overseas have been augmented in response to Brexit. My Department has strengthened the capacity of the Passport Service by recruiting over 80 permanent staff to respond to the general increase in passport applications. Those staff are located in the Passport Service offices in Balbriggan, Cork and in Dublin city centre. In addition, over 230 Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited.
However in light of the continued increase in passport application volumes the Passport Service is considering various options (including locations in Tallaght and Cork) to accommodate some additional temporary staff to assist with back office passport processing.
It is proposed to use existing Government offices already leased by the State, which will not attract additional rental costs, which are close to existing offices, already fitted out for this type of work and can facilitate a rapid set-up with mininium cost and expense.
This temporary accommodation is only required until additional accommodation in Balbriggan, where one of our three offices is currently located, comes online.
