Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
308. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will amend the process for applications submitted by Passport Express in order that the parents of minors are notified via telephone of a possible error rather than by letter in order that it can be immediately rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55627/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department fully recognises that Passport Express, and Northern Ireland Passport Express, continue to be an important channel for applicants who do not wish to use the online system or who have limited digital skills.
Passport applicants who choose to use An Post's paper-based, mail-in "Passport Express" service receive a letter from the Passport Service if additional documents are required in order to correctly complete their application. This provides both the applicant and the Passport Service with a clear, written record of the documents that are outstanding. Letters to applicants are dispatched for delivery by An Post and are generally received by applicants resident in Ireland within one working day.
Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is consistently up to four times faster than the processing time of a paper application. In addition, Passport Online allows for the Passport Service to email applicants with regard to any outstanding documents required.
Passport Online can be accessed by all first time applicants, irrespective of age 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.
