Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
437. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider utilising the post office network to enable proper scrutiny of first-time passport applicants in view of many applications showing basic errors which ultimately end up clogging the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15010/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is proactively managing the current demand for passports and has put in place resources and structures to address the estimated significant increase in demand for passports in 2022 in this essential citizen service.
Passport Service statistics show that approximately 40% of first time child applications are incomplete. A significant proportion of those incomplete applications occur when parents have not submitted any documentation to the Passport Service. In these cases, parents apply online for their child’s passport and can take weeks or sometimes even months to submit the required supporting documents such as the witnessed consent form and child’s identity documents such as their birth certificate. The Passport Service is unable to process these applications until the required supporting documentation is submitted.
The Passport Service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for first time applicants.
The Department of Foreign Affairs website was updated in February to include a new Passport Service section where applicants can easily find out what additional documents are required for their type of application. This can be found at https://www.dfa.ie/passports/documentary-requirements/
The Passport Service is also working on public education materials, including video tutorials, with a view to assisting applicants to complete their application correctly.
The Passport Service operates its paper-based, mail-in “Passport Express” service through An Post. This provides an option for citizens to submit their passport application through the network of more than one thousand post offices across the State. All types of passport application, both renewal and first time applications, can be made via the Passport Express service. My Department is in regular contact with An Post regarding possible initiatives to develop this service further.
While my Department has no current plans to enable passport applications to be checked at An Post locations, the Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance customer experience and reduce errors on applications.
