Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
57. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passport applications that have been processed since the Passport Office closed for Covid-19 in March 2020; the turnaround times for passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service commenced a phased return to full operations on 8 June 2020.
Between 8 June and 22 July 2020, the Passport Service issued approximately 113,000 passport books and cards.
The Passport Service is currently meeting the target turnaround times for Passport Online applications. This is 10 working days for simple applications and 20 working days for complex applications, once the supporting documentation has been received.
Passport Express, the paper based application, will accept applications through An Post from 4 August 2020. Northern Ireland Passport Express will resume at the same time. The anticipated turnaround times for paper based applications will be 6-8 weeks.
