Tuesday, 19 Oct 2021

Written Answers Nos. 483-503

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (483, 485)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

483. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if statistical and other information (details supplied) will be provided. [51210/21]

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

485. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an explanation will be provided of the relationship between the 6,248 SHCEP figure detailed on page 118 of the Budget 2022 expenditure report and the 5,750 SHCEP figure detailed on page 123 of the same report. [51212/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 485 together.

As outlined in the Budget 2022 Expenditure report, the Government is committed to delivering 11,820 social homes in 2022 with 9,000 of these homes to be new build homes. A commitment has also been given under the Government's new Housing Plan Housing for All to phase out long term leasing over the period of the plan with a 2022 target of 1,300 homes reducing to 200 homes in 2025.

In line with Housing for All, Budget 2022 has allocated €345 million in funding for the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP). This budget allocation will support the delivery of an additional 6,248 dwellings by both Local Authorities (LAs) and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) under various schemes. The breakdown of the additional 6,248 dwellings can be found in the table below. The figure of 2,620 dwellings is included within this figure, it comprises delivery under long term leasing, mortgage to rent, repair and leasing and short term leasing. 

Table 1: Additional dwellings to be delivered under SHCEP in 2022

Source	Targeted Delivery
Long Term Leasing	1,300
Mortage to Rent (Private and AHB)	1,000
Short Term Leasing (LA)	200
Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS)	120
AHB CALF (Build and Aquisition)	3,628
Total	6,248

The figure of 5,750 detailed on page 123 of the report is incorrect and should appear as 6,248.

Question No. 484 answered with Question No. 461.

Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 483.

Approved Housing Bodies

Ceisteanna (486)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

486. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm the membership of his Departmental working group on the review of the CAS AHB Green Book; the way and location a person or group may make a submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51217/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The 'CAS Green Book' is not currently undergoing a review within my Department but any Approved Housing Body (AHB) or individual that wishes to receive information on the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) or to raise a query, can of course contact my Department or their local authority on the matter. 

My Department has ongoing contacts with the Irish Council for Social Housing – the network body for AHBs in Ireland – and with many individual AHBs involved with CAS on an ongoing basis. 

Through the supports being provided under Housing for All, CAS will continue to provide capital funding to AHBs for the further development of housing for vulnerable/priority areas to include older persons, accommodation for individuals and families who are homeless, housing for people with a disability and to meet the housing and accommodation needs of a range of vulnerable individuals and families. 

Water Services

Ceisteanna (487)

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

487. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding allocated by the State to Irish Water under both capital and current expenditures in each year since its establishment up to and including the budgeted allocation for 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51218/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. State funding allocated to Irish Water since its inception in 2014, including the estimate for 2022, is set out in the table below:

Amounts to nearest €m	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021 (REV)	2022 (Budget Estimate)
Current	439	399	652	930	600	562	624	614	629
Capital	461	96	184	270	500	1,404*	917*	822*	964*
Total	900	495	836	1,200	1,100	1,966	1,541	1,436	1,593

* Includes €758m and €238m respectively for 2019 and 2020 in respect of State funding from the Minister for Finance for the replacement of commercial borrowings, and €130m and over €134m for State borrowing allocations in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

As part of Budget 2022, I secured funding of over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030 commits to almost €6bn capital investment to be undertaken by Irish Water in the period from 2021-2025 of which over €4.5 billion will be Voted Exchequer funded in respect of domestic water services. The overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area.

Water Services

Ceisteanna (488)

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

488. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to reintroduce the grant aid scheme for the provision and maintenance of private water wells for individual houses following on from the decision by the previous Government to remove water charges and thus ensure a levelling of costs for all householders with regard to the provision of potable water to dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51221/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

A grant for the provision or improvement of individual water supplies came into operation on 30 April 1997.  The objective of the grant scheme was to assist households, dependant on private individual water supplies, who were incurring capital expenditure to:

- provide a piped supply of water for domestic purposes for the first time, or

- remedy serious deficiencies in an existing supply of water for domestic purposes. 

Under the Housing (Private Water Supply Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020, the grant scheme was revised. The revised scheme forms part of the funding investment under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021.

The revised scheme, which opened for applications on 4 June 2020, brought into effect the following changes:

- A maximum grant for rehabilitation works of €3,000, an increase of 47% on the previous maximum grant level of €2,031.

- A maximum grant of €5,000 was introduced, in cases where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well.

- The maximum percentage of approved costs was increased from 75% to 85%, subject to the total maximum costs of either €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.

In addition, in recognition of the role of the grant in improving quality, the water quality treatment element (typically filtration and UV treatment) qualifies for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €1,000.  This grant can be claimed on its own or in addition to either the grant for rehabilitation works or the grant for a new well.

In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant scheme after at least one year of operation to ensure its continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review have not yet been formalised, however, it is anticipated that relevant stakeholders will be consulted e.g. local authorities etc. as appropriate. In considering an indicative timeframe for the review, consideration will be given to the most appropriate period in order to ensure best engagement from relevant stakeholders.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (489)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

489. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering exempting peat extraction from the planning system for new developments and the substitute consent process for unauthorised developments; if so, the reason for considering such a move; the timeframe for a decision on this matter; and if such a move would be compliant with EU environmental law. [51326/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

As it currently stands, Class 17 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended ('the 2001 Regulations'), provides that peat extraction (which includes any related drainage of bogland) in a new or extended area of less than 10 hectares, or peat extraction in a new or extended area of 10 hectares or more, where the drainage of the bogland commenced prior to the coming into force of those Regulations, is exempted development.

This exemption is restricted by both article 9 of the 2001 Regulations, which places a number of general qualifications on the availability of exemptions, and by section 4(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 ('the 2000 Act'), whereby exempted development status is lost if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the EIA Directive or Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive is required in respect of that development.

Section 4(4A) of the 2000 Act gives me the power to exempt development from the planning system by regulation, notwithstanding that it might require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or appropriate assessment, subject to the requirement that the development in question is authorised, or required to be authorised, by or under another statute (other than by the 2000 Act), such as by way of a licence, consent, approval or otherwise.

Peat extraction involving a new or extended area of 30 hectares or more requires EIA and therefore planning permission. Peat extraction below that threshold may require EIA if it is considered that it would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Any peat extraction which would be likely to have significant effects on a European Site (a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protected Area (SPA), or candidate area, designated under the Habitats Directive) requires an Appropriate Assessment and therefore planning permission.

In terms of unauthorised development carried out that required EIA or Appropriate Assessment, the substitute consent process set out at Part XA of the 2000 Act allows development that should have been the subject of environmental assessment, but was not, to be regularised where appropriate. An Bord Pleanála is precluded from granting substitute consent (whether subject to conditions or not) unless it is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist that justify the grant of substitute consent.

As acknowledged by the Government’s National Peatland's Strategy 2015, the regulation of peat extraction activities under the planning code has been problematic. Practical implementation of the EIA Directive through planning law, particularly in relation to private turf extraction projects, has proved difficult for a variety of reasons such as uncertainty about the ownership of peatlands and the increasing trend towards peat extraction by contractors, whose scope of operations may span lands controlled by many individuals with turbary rights.

Furthermore, both the Government’s National Peatlands Strategy 2015 and the Just Transition Commissioner’s first progress report published in May 2020 highlight the complexity of the current dual consenting system for large scale peat extraction. The dual consenting system for large scale peat extraction comprises the requirement for both planning consents as well as licencing from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) Licensing system, which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. 

While I have no objection in principle to making such exempted development regulations in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 with respect of peat extraction, this would be subject to the activity being regulated by an alternative legislative regime, other than the Planning system, that is fully compliant with EU environmental legislation, including the carrying out of all relevant environmental assessments for the activity, where applicable. 

This would require an alternative legislative proposal to address peat extraction, and it is noted that a similar proposal was progressed in 2019, whereby exempted development regulations were made for the Planning regime (the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) Regulations 2019, Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2019) to complement related EPA regulations (the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Peat Extraction) Regulations 2019) made by the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to be the sole competent authority for large scale peat extraction. However, those regulations were subsequently struck down by the High Court. This indicates that this area is a matter of particular complexity.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (490, 492, 498, 510, 513)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

490. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); if the application will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50407/21]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50421/21]

James Lawless

Ceist:

498. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50515/21]

Michael Collins

Ceist:

510. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50982/21]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

513. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51069/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 490, 492, 498, 510 and 513 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has already issued passports to the applicants. 

Foreign Birth Registration

Ceisteanna (491, 496, 497, 507, 518, 519)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

491. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the foreign birth registration service will begin processing applications again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50420/21]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

496. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether it is appropriate that there is an effective pause on the processing of all foreign birth registration applications for persons who wish to apply for such registration and associated passports; the steps he is taking to immediately begin clearing the growing backlog exacerbated by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50510/21]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

497. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of applications awaiting processing under the foreign birth registration process; the current average processing time per application; the number of applications processed in each month to date in 2021; his views on whether the current processing arrangements are fit for purpose, equitable or fair for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50511/21]

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

507. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the foreign births register will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50957/21]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

518. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether it is appropriate that there is an effective pause on the processing of all foreign birth registration applications for individuals who wish to apply for such registration and associated passports; the steps he is taking to immediately begin clearing the growing backlog mitigated by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51280/21]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

519. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of applications awaiting processing under the foreign birth registration process; the current average processing time per application; the number of applications processed each month in 2021; his views on whether the current processing arrangements are fit for purpose, equitable or fair for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51281/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 491, 496, 497, 507, 518 and 519 together.

My Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for FBR applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessary rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications. 

Due to the pandemic, FBR staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. This has resulted in a pause in overall FBR processing. There are approximately 31,000 FBR applications currently on-hand. FBR staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Over 5,000 emergency FBR applications have been processed so far in 2021. In cases of exceptional urgency FBR applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the Department operates a transparent general policy of processing FBR applications in order of receipt.

I include a table outlining the number of FBR applications processed by the Passport Service on a monthly basis in 2021. The high volume of applications finalised during May, June and July reflects FBR applications which were processed in early 2020 and were paused due to the reassignment of staff during the pandemic. These applications were finalised, printed and issued to applicants over the summer of this year. 

The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing FBR applications as soon as possible and I will arrange to have the Deputies informed once a date for the resumption of processing these applications has been finalised. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times by the end of 2021.  In the medium term, changes to the FBR process to increase efficiencies and improve the customer experience will be delivered under the next phase of my Department's Passport Reform Programme.

FBR Applications Processed 2021

Month 2021	Applications Processed
January	25
February	22
March	107
April	135
May	681
June	1532
July	1127
August	570
September	589
October (to date)	226

Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 490.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (493, 494)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

493. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50435/21]

Michael Collins

Ceist:

494. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application for a person (details supplied) can be expediated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50442/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together.

With regard to the specific Passport Express applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has attempted to make contact with the applicants to provide an update on the status of the passport applications. 

The current turnaround time for processing Passport Express applications which have been completed correctly is 8 weeks. Applicants who require a passport for travel in an emergency such as urgent medical treatment or the death of a family member overseas can contact the Passport Service Customer Service Hub at 01 671 1633 or through the Webchat on my Department's website www.dfa.ie/passports.

Question No. 494 answered with Question No. 493.

Foreign Birth Registration

Ceisteanna (495, 517)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

495. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth registration application by a person (details supplied); when this application will be processed and finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50509/21]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

517. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth registration application by a person (details supplied); when this application will be processed and finalized; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51279/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 517 together.

My Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for FBR applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessary rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications. 

The application referenced was registered on 30 March 2021, and is waiting to be processed. All documents received are being stored in a secure environment.

Due to the pandemic, FBR staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. This has resulted in a pause in overall FBR processing. FBR staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. In cases of exceptional urgency FBR applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the Department operates a transparent general policy of processing FBR applications in order of receipt.

The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing FBR applications as soon as possible. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times by the end of 2021.  In the medium term, changes to the FBR process to increase efficiencies and improve the customer experience will be delivered under the next phase of my Department's Passport Reform Programme.

Question No. 496 answered with Question No. 491.

Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 491.

Question No. 498 answered with Question No. 490.

Ministerial Engagements

Ceisteanna (499)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

499. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with the new Japanese Prime Minister to date in 2021; and if he will provide a briefing note in respect of those engagements. [50559/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Prime Minister Kishida was designated by the Diet in Japan on 4 October. The House of Representatives was dissolved on 14 October, and a general election is scheduled to take place on 31 October.   I have not as yet had any direct engagement with the Prime Minister in his new role. However, I recall that Prime Minister Kishida visited Ireland in 2017, in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Japan and Ireland.

Ireland and Japan have a strong history of engagement and cooperation, both bilaterally and in various multilateral settings, including first and foremost the United Nations, to which our two countries are so strongly committed. I look forward to deepening this cooperation in the coming period.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (500)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

500. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent reports that the Ethiopian state used its national airline to ferry arms into Ireland during the conflict in Tigray in November 2020; and if the Ethiopian authorities will cooperate in any checks deemed necessary at Dublin Airport to ensure that no violation of international aviation laws on the carrying of arms on civil aircraft takes place in view of a recent UN report that found multiple and severe reports of alleged gross violations of human rights in that conflict. [50678/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I remain deeply concerned by the human rights and humanitarian situation in Tigray, including the ongoing blockade of the region and attacks on humanitarian workers. As famine-like conditions are reported, and in light of the recent ground offensive, there is an urgent need for full humanitarian access, a negotiated ceasefire, and the commencement of political dialogue to find a resolution to the conflict.

Ireland continues to strongly advocate for an urgent response to the crisis, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict - through our bilateral engagement, our EU membership, and at the UN Security Council.  

I am alarmed by the conflict’s impact on civilians, including harrowing reports of widespread and ongoing sexual violence, and other serious human rights violations and abuses.   It is vital that perpetrators be held to account.  In this regard, Ireland strongly supports the work underway by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), to investigate reported atrocities. We are currently awaiting publication of their joint report on 1 November, which will be a crucial first step towards accountability.

I am aware of the media reports to which the Deputy’s question refers.

Ireland adheres strictly to the terms of the Arms Trade Treaty, which is a treaty regulating the international trade in conventional arms and which seeks to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade and diversion of conventional arms by establishing international standards on arms transfers. Furthermore, Ireland is a member of several multilateral export control regimes. All export licence applications for military goods are reviewed on a case by case basis by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and are subject to EU Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. This sets out eight risk criteria against which licences should be assessed, and defines common rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment.

While the Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the provision of diplomatic clearance to foreign military and State aircraft to land in and overfly the State, the operations of civil aircraft, including those under contract to other States, are regulated by the Department of Transport.

The Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 prohibits the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft, including on troop-carrying civil aviation operators, through Irish airspace or Irish airports, unless an exemption has been granted by the Minister for Transport.  The process in place around the granting of such permission by the Minister for Transport is robust and includes seeking the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs on any implications for Ireland's policy of military neutrality.

I am not aware of any such applications by the Ethiopian authorities or of any suggestion that arms or other materiel used in the conflict in Ethiopia could have been transited through Ireland.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (501, 505, 506, 511, 512, 516, 524)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

501. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50682/21]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

505. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in time for their travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50742/21]

Steven Matthews

Ceist:

506. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50853/21]

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

511. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of an application for a person (details supplied); if the application will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51046/21]

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

512. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on a passport application submitted by a person (details supplied) on 18 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51048/21]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

516. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the passport office will make direct contact with persons (details supplied) in relation to a first-time passport application for a child considering that the application was submitted on 18 May 2021;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51233/21]

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

524. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport for child (details supplied) will be issued and the passport of their parents returned. [51327/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 501, 505, 506, 511, 512, 516 and 524 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant. 

The current turnaround times are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, 15 working days for Complex renewals, 40 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online and 8 weeks for Passport Express for applications which have been completed correctly.

Ministerial Engagements

Ceisteanna (502)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

502. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with the Irish Ambassador to Malaysia to date in 2021; and if he will provide a briefing note in respect of those engagements. [50560/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department maintains regular contact with all Heads of Mission serving at our Embassies and offices overseas. This includes Ireland's Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The Ambassador provides regular updates to the Department on key political, economic and consular issues relating to our engagement with Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region more generally. 

I would encourage the Deputy to contact my Department with any specific queries in relation to our wide ranging relationship with Malaysia.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (503)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

503. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if clarification will be provided in relation to a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50706/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, an official from the Passport Service has written to the applicant's parents.  This official is available to respond to any queries the parents may have in this matter.