Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
64. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications by citizens of Northern Ireland are processed any differently from applications by Southern citizens; if these applications are viewed as non-domestic applications that in turn take longer to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34640/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll online applications are processed in the same way and this includes all applications from throughout Ireland, North or South. Renewal applications, because citizenship has already been established, are processed within the same turnaround time of 10 working days for adult renewals and 15 working days for child/complex renewals. Therefore, there is no difference in processing renewals between those applicants with addresses in Northern Ireland or the State.
First time applications are more complex due to increased complexity around the documentation required to confirm the person's identity and entitlement to citizenship. First time applicants resident within the State must have their identify and consent forms witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. A log of such applications is maintained by An Garda Síochána which allows for a streamlined verification process. First time passport applicants resident outside the State, including Northern Ireland, can avail of a broad range of witnesses for this purpose and these witnesses must be thoroughly verified by Passport Service staff.
First time applications from outside the State, including Northern Ireland, can also be more complex due to the variety of documentation received from other jurisdictions. Officers processing these applications must therefore be highly skilled and experienced. As a result of these factors, processing time for these applications can take longer. However, the vast majority of all first time applications are processed within the current turnaround time of 25 working days. This turnaround time has been reduced by 40% since March.
It is expected that the additional staff that have recently been assigned to the Passport Service will result in a further reduction in turnaround times for first time and complex applications, including those from Northern Ireland. Turnaround time applies to fully complete and correct applications. Applications which are incomplete and require further supporting documents will take longer.
