Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
131. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which a person can cancel an online passport application in order that he or she can make an appointment for the rapid renewal service in the event that his or her passport will not issue for the intended travel date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33336/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service encourages all applicants to check their passports are in date before making travel plans and to apply for their passport in good time before travelling. It is also important that applicants chose the most appropriate application channel.
The Online Passport Renewal Service offers the convenience of an online application system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Irish citizens anywhere in the world. The online service offers a turnaround time of 10 working days with a significant proportion of online applications processed in 5 days or less. Passports issued via the online system are delivered within the State via An Post’s next day delivery service.
For those who are travelling within the next three days, the Passport Service operates a Rapid Renewal Service at the Passport Office in Dublin. This service is strictly by appointment only. Appointments can be booked online at www.dfa.ie/passports. An additional fee is associated with the Rapid Renewal Service.
If an applicant makes an online application and subsequently realises they will need to travel before the passport is likely to issue, the applicant should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, via webchat or phone, to explain the situation and inform the Passport Service of their intended travel date. Contact details for the Customer Service Hub can be found on the Department’s website: www.dfa.ie/passports
Staff in the Customer Service Hub will provide advice to applicants based on their particular circumstances.
If appropriate, applicants will be advised to seek an appointment for the Rapid Renewal Service in order to obtain a passport in the desired timeframe. The applicant will be advised to book an appointment online and to cancel their online application.
When making an application at the public counter, the applicant will be required to present all the required documentation at the time of their appointment, including a fully completed application form, suitably witnessed and accompanied by photographs, the relevant passport fee and proof of travel. Other supporting documents may be required depending on the category of application.
Application fees in respect of the original online application will be refunded following processing of the cancellation request.
