Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:340. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24121/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 May 2022
Ceisteanna (340)
Freagraí scríofa
I and officials from my Department have welcomed opportunities to update Members on the Passport Service on several occasions since the beginning of the year. The Passport Service would be happy to arrange a further briefing for Oireachtas members on the current situation in the coming weeks.
On 2 February, I spoke at a Seanad Private Members Business Motion on the Passport Service.
On 10 March, I appeared before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to present the Estimates for Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and provided an in-depth briefing on the Passport Service.
On 22 March, my Department responded to a Topical Issue on the Passport Service.
On 6 April, officials from my Department appeared before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for an informal briefing on the Passport Service.
In addition to this, in three Oral Parliamentary Questions sessions this year to date, I have addressed Deputies' concerns about the Passport Service. My Department has responded to a total of 718 PQs on the Passport Service this year, with 200 answered so far in May.