Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
409. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of passports that have been issued from 1 April 2021 to 15 October 2021, by the number of passports issued online, the number of passports issued in cases in which the applications were by post and the number of passports issued for the first-time to the applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52038/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service issued over 455,000 passports books and cards between 1 April and 15 October 2021.
During that period, almost 430,000 passport applications related to the Passport Online system, while over 25,000 were postal applications. Approximately 75% were renewals and 25% were first time applications.
Almost 45% of passports for simple online adult renewals issue within one business day, while more complex applications take longer.
The current Passport processing times, provided all required documentation is provided and in order, 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 An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service.
In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad.
