Written Answers Nos. 43-63
43. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta an bhfuil an Chreat Náisiúnta um Pleanáil Mhuirí ar fáil trí Ghaeilge; muna bhfuil, cén fáth nach bhfuil leagan Gaeilge ar fáil; cén uair atá sé ag súil leis a bheith curtha ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [31286/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá leagan Gaeilge den Chreat Náisiúnta um Pleanáil Mhuirí ar fáil ó seoladh an creat i mí Iúil 2021. Is féidir é a íoslódáil ag an nasc a leanas; www.gov.ie/ga/foilsiuchan/creat-naisiunta-um-pleanail-mhuiri/ agus is féidir cruachóipeanna den leagan Gaeilge a fháil ar iarratas ó oifigigh mo Roinne, agus is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh leo ag MSP@housing.gov.ie
44. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the division of the grant funding (details supplied) to Wexford County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31294/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications in respect of children (details supplied) will be expedited given that the children are travelling to a family wedding on 12 June 2022 with their parents. [31027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31130/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31205/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31207/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31209/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the applicant’s date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31229/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 73, 75, 94, 96, 98, 101, 104 and 118 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update to the applicants as to the steps they must take to progress their passport application.
46. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31040/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31106/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31114/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31121/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra68. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31123/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31126/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31127/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31129/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31131/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra78. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications that were submitted in February 2022 will be processed in time for travel on 26 June 2022 for children (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications that were submitted in March 2022 will be processed on time for children (details supplied) living in County Tyrone who are travelling on 18 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the date for travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the date for travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31202/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31206/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31211/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the applicant’s date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31223/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31225/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31226/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31227/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the applicant’s date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31230/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) given that the target issue date has been exceeded and the date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84, 86, 89, 91, 92, 93, 95, 99, 100, 103, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 119 and 120 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
47. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff working on processing applications to the foreign birth register for the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; the reason for any fluctuations in the number of staff employed in the foreign birth register section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff members who are dealing with queries from Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas through the dedicated Oireachtas urgent query service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 123 together.
The processing of Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) has resumed and will be gradually scaling up in line with the recruitment of additional resources. Due to the impact of Covid-19, Foreign Birth Registration Service was paused for nearly 15 months across the 2020-2021 period. Due to the complex nature of the FBR process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow over two years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of FBR applications at this time.
As can be seen in the figures provided below, the number of staff assigned to processing FBR applications in 2020 was impacted by the suspension of the service and subsequent reassignment of staff to consular duties in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, a number of FBR staff were reassigned to passport duties as demand for passport applications increased. In 2022, staff continued to be reassigned to passport duties in response to the unprecedented increase in demand seen by the Passport Service in recent months.
My Department is fully committed to the continued allocation of additional resources over the coming period to assist with the processing of the Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand and the high volume of new applications anticipated this year.
A major recruitment drive has been underway over the past several months, which has seen over 400 new staff members join the Passport Service since June 2021. The Passport Service is currently running its own recruitment competition for Temporary Clerical Officers. Over 70 officers have been assigned to the Passport Service from this competition in recent weeks. It is anticipated that some of these resources will be allocated to the provision of FBR Services as the current high level of passport demand reduces.
The information requested by Deputy Lowry is outlined below in tabular form.
In October 2021, the Passport Service established a temporary phone line to respond to Oireachtas Members' queries on urgent passport cases.
There are currently 10 staff assigned to the Oireachtas Urgent Query Service team, along with one team lead and one officer carrying out administrative tasks.
Since 23 May, up to 20 queries per week from each Oireachtas Member can be facilitated by this team.
Staff on the Oireachtas Line continue to work productively under increasing pressure. They are dealing with record numbers of calls and queries every week and have handled over 17,500 queries from Members since the beginning of this year.
In each case raised by an Oireachtas Member, the Passport Service reviews the application in question. However, applications can only be expedited in cases of genuine emergency such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad. Such applications are expedited through the Travel Emergency service.
Non-urgent cases should continue to be dealt with through the existing phone lines and web chat facilities. Passport applications that are being processed in line with their turnaround times cannot be expedited. Where the estimated issue-by date has been exceeded this will result in a query being raised internally in the Passport Service. The Passport Service will work to issue a passport or respond to a request for further information to the customer within two working days.
While Deputies often hear of the most complex and pressing cases, the overwhelming majority of passport applicants have their passport processed without any recourse to their local TD.
Passport Service staff assigned to processing Foreign Birth Registration applications
|
Year |
No. of FBR staff |
|
2019 |
73 |
|
2020 |
39 |
|
2021 |
66 |
|
2022 |
48 |
