Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person who books an urgent in-person appointment for passport renewal is required to cancel an existing online or paper application; if this is the case, the exact process applicants that must follow if they are successful in securing an appointment; the turnaround time in issuing of passports through this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Offices in Mount St, Dublin 2, Cork and London offer an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports. This service was launched in Dublin on 27 September 2021 and in Cork on 26 October 2021. The Passport Office in London launched its Urgent Appointment Service on 1 March.Customers availing of the Urgent Appointment Service can renew their passport within 1 or 4 days in Dublin, within 4 days in Cork and within 5 days in London. The Urgent Appointment Service ensures that, for those who unexpectedly require a very urgent turnaround of a passport renewal, there is an option available that is transparent, predictable and clear. It means that an applicant can book and pay for their appointment, safe in the knowledge that they will have their passport within a day, or a few days. In February 2022, the Passport Service increased the number of appointments at its public offices by 100%, providing an extra 170 appointments per week.
Applicants who have previously applied using An Post's mail-in "Passport Express" channel are able to make renewal appointments with the Urgent Appointment Service. Applicants who have made online applications may also make renewal appointments with the Urgent Appointment Service. However, where an online application is already advanced through the entitlement process, the Passport Service may not be able to facilitate an appointment, and will cancel the appointment and refund the fee. This is because the online application is due to be approved and the passport will be issued and dispatched to the applicant in a short amount of time. When the applicant comes to their appointment at the Passport Office, they must confirm that they wish to cancel their existing online or Passport Express renewal application. The Passport Service will put in place the appropriate steps to cancel that application, and continue with the Urgent Appointment. A refund will be made to the applicant and any supporting documents will be returned to them in due course.Where an online or Passport Express application has already been made, documents submitted in support of that application cannot be associated with the Urgent Appointment Service application. A full new application, including consent, photos and any supporting documents required must be submitted.
