Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
103. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to review and improve the current system for applying for new passports and renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4430/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing programme of Passport Service Reform focuses on the future of service delivery by continuing to identify and implement projects to enhance the customer experience and provide for business continuity while maintaining the integrity of the Irish passport.
The standout achievement of the programme thus far has been the introduction of the Passport Online service to our citizens. Passport Online can be used by 97% of applicants across the world, for both first time and renewal applications. The Passport Online Service is 4 times faster than paper-based applications for adult and child renewal applications. Over 90% of applicants now apply through Passport Online.
The Passport Service is pursuing a digital first strategy, which promotes Passport Online as the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to apply for a passport. The focus of our current communications campaign for Winter-Spring 2023 is to highlight the benefits of the Digital First approach, in that Passport Online is the most efficient way to apply for your passport. The campaign also reminds citizens to check their passport is in date.
Indications are that the campaign is having the desired impact. January application numbers to date in 2023 have increased by 24% when compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, we have seen a 245% increase in website traffic to dfa.ie/passports compared to early December, prior to the campaign.
A continual focus on digital services has also allowed the Passport Service to collaborate across Government. For example, passport applicants can now utilise the government wide MyGovID as an optional service when applying for their passport.
Currently, the Passport Service is undertaking an Online Enhancements Project. This will provide a more customised experience for applicants based on the information they provide.
The Passport Service continually looks for ways to improve its services. Included among the current planned enhancements is a new function that will utilise the information already provided by first time applicants to auto-generate a custom coversheet detailing the documents that are required to support their specific application. In addition, the integration of an Eircode look-up service will allow for real time address matching.
These improvements will benefit citizens by improving their user experience with the Passport Online system.
