As the Deputy will be appreciate, the Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for the Passport Service, including the processing of passport applications. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in relation to this matter, nor do I have any role in operational or administrative matters which fall within the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
I am advised, however, that An Garda Síochána implements a passport application recording mechanism at each Garda Station in which the details of passport applicants, and in the case of juveniles, their parents / guardians, are noted in the Stations’ Passport Record Book for the purpose of verifying the details of applicants when required by the Passport Office. I am further advised that An Garda Síochána has a dedicated Garda Passport Integrity Office, which is operationally responsible for liaising with the Passport Office in respect of dealing with issues arising from applications concerning certification, verification and/or passport integrity.