Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
111. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of online passport applications that are currently waiting to be processed; the general processing times for online applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13514/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason there is such a disparity in online passport application processing timeframes compared to postal application processing timeframes, given that the online application process is not accessible to all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of postal passport applications that are currently waiting to be processed; the estimated timeframe for this backlog to be cleared; and the general processing times for postal applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13513/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 124 and 125 together.
The Passport Service is successfully meeting the current high demand for passports, having implemented operational and staffing plans for 2023. All turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs of either online or paper applications.
Following a strategic media and communications campaign that was rolled out in December 2022 with a view to managing demand and encouraging applicants to apply online, the Passport Service received over 148,000 applications in January. This is the second highest monthly figure on record.
The deployment of additional resources to the Passport Service Customer Service Hub ensures that 100% of customers who call the Passport Service are getting through each day. The Passport Service has issued over 230,000 passports to date in 2023.
The Passport Service is pursuing a Digital First strategy and promoting Passport Online as the quickest, most convenient and least expensive channel for applicants.
Passport Online is available to 97% of applicants around the world regardless of whether they are first time applicants or are renewing their passport. Over 90% of applicants from around the world now apply for their passport using this channel. The Passport Service continues to offer a range of application channels, including a paper-based service for citizens who are not eligible or do not wish to use the Passport Online service.
There are currently over 49,000 fully complete online passport applications and over 18,000 fully complete paper applications in the Passport Service system. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times. There are a further 55,000 online applications and 11,000 paper applications in the Passport Service system that are pending further action by the applicant.
The current processing times for all applications are as follows:
Online simple adult renewal - 10 working days
Online child/complex renewal - 15 working days
Online first time application - 20 working days
Post Passport via An Post - 8 weeks
The quicker processing times for online applications are a result of the centralisation of passport processing which Passport Online has allowed for. There are limitations to the paper-based processing system which mean it will always be less efficient than the online system.
The processing time of 8 weeks for paper-based applications compares favourably internationally with countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, where advertised processing times are 10 weeks and 8-11 weeks respectively.
Whilst there are no current plans to reduce the processing time for paper-based applications, the Passport Service is committed to maintaining the published processing time.
