Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
133. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to introduce a reduced cost for renewing and obtaining a passport for senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33350/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service does not provide a reduced fee to any category of adult applicant for a passport, whether for the renewal of a passport or for a first-time application. A reduced fee is applied on applications for passports for minors in recognition of the fact that a minor’s passport is valid for only five years. Most adult passports will be issued for a period of ten years.
The Passport Service has reviewed the cost of the standard ten-year adult Irish passport and compared it to the cost of a similar passport in many other jurisdictions. I am satisfied that, at a cost of €80, which breaks down to €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares favourably with services offered elsewhere. For example, an adult would have to pay €8.40 per year for a British passport, €8.60 per year for a French passport, €9.80 per year for an American passport and €18.40 per year for an Australian passport.
A decision to waive or reduce the application fee for any category of applicant would require careful consideration, given that any shortfall in revenue would have to be met by the taxpayer.
