Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
15. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications from County Carlow that are currently outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37360/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra26. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a matter regarding passport applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37583/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport checkers assigned to the processing of online passport applications; if he will provide the number of checkers assigned to the processing of passport express paper applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38558/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional staffing resources will be assigned to the passport express paper applications to improve the processing times in line with online passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38582/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the average processing times for passport express applications with all the documentation and the average processing times when additional information is requested will be added to passport express applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38583/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of outstanding passport applications on hand, including incomplete applications; and the number on hand for more than three months. [38849/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 26, 47, 50, 51 and 57 together.
The Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports, and has issued over 764,000 passports to date in 2023 and all turnaround times are at their target level. There are no application backlogs, all applications are being processed in the normal way. Over half of all simple adult online renewals are processed within 2 working days.
The Passport Service remains committed to offering 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 450 Passport Service staff working directly on passport applications, of which 120 (26%) are assigned to work on Post Passport and other paper applications. This number does not include staff working in the Passport Service Customer Service Hub, Foreign Birth Registration Unit or working in the various other support services required by the Passport Service. Currently, paper applications make up 10% of the passport applications received by the Passport Service.
There are proportionally more checking staff assigned to paper applications given 26% of passport processing staff are processing 10% of the work. This is because paper applications, by nature, will always be a slower process. It is also not possible with paper applications to differentiate between simple adult renewals and the most complex of first time applications as all applicants use the same form. Therefore, the turnaround time for all paper applications is 8 weeks. Given that 10% of applicants now use the paper service, it is not the priority service for the Passport Service in the context of strategy and resources and there are no current plans to enable both paper and online applications to be processed within the same timeframe. The Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance this essential service for citizens.
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the efficiencies of Passport Online, which is by far the quickest way to apply for a passport. It is an award-winning online platform, which places the Irish Passport Service amongst the most innovative in the world. Through Passport Online, citizens also have the option of applying for a passport card, which is valid for travel to most EU countries as well as the UK.
The total number of complete passport applications currently being processed by the Passport Service stands at 34,000. The Passport Service currently has 3,200 applications on hand for 3 months or more. 97% of these are awaiting further documentation from the applicants and the remaining 100 applications require additional time due to complex citizenship entitlement, legal or guardianship issues.
The number of passport applications currently in the Passport Online system from County Carlow are outlined below in tabular form. The table also breaks down the number of applications that are currently being processed by the Passport Service and the number of applications that require further action from the applicant, such as the submission of additional documentation. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
County - Carlow
|
Total applications in the system |
422 |
|
Passport Service processing |
189 |
|
Further action required by applicant |
233 |
I strongly encourage the Deputies to advise their constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by over 90% of applicants worldwide.
