Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
76. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when recommencement of hard copy passport applications is expected; the timeline expected to clear the current backlog in this type of application given that the online process may not be a viable form of application for all persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24209/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service began scaling up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.
Passport Online will continue to be the priority given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of a Passport Online application for an adult renewal is four times as fast as a paper application. This priority will deliver a faster service for all customers. The Passport Service plans to resume processing of paper based applications such as Passport Express and Northern Ireland Passport Express later in the year.
Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness. It is important to acknowledge that the online service is extremely easy to use. It has won awards for its user-friendly process, including a NALA award for the use of plain English. It is recognised that some applicants may not be familiar with using a computer. However, in such cases, a friend or relative with basic computer skills can help them to apply – the process only takes ten minutes to complete.
Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.
The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that any Passport Online backlog can be cleared in six to eight weeks.
In the event that any applicant has urgent or emergency reasons for requiring a passport, they should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, by WebChat, to make the Passport Service aware of their situation. The phone lines will re-open later this month as part of the scaling up of operations.
