Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding persons who have lost their passport, the checks that are in place to prevent identity theft and the fraudulent use of the misplaced passport; the way these safeguards are undertaken; the person who completes same; the time frame involved in reissuing of a passport to such a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28394/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In January 2011, with a view to preventing identity theft and the circulation of falsified passports, a range of additional safeguards were introduced into the passport application procedure for those seeking to replace a lost/stolen passport. Applicants in this category are required to submit the following additional evidence in support of their passport application: A completed and suitably witnessed passport application form and four photographs, (two of which must have the application form number written on the reverse and be signed by an approved witness);

The long form birth certificate of the applicant and a civil marriage certificate, if appropriate, and evidence of entitlement to Irish citizenship ,where applicable;

Additional form of photo-identification; e.g. certified copy of a drivers licence, work ID; student card; social club membership; passport from other country etc.;

Documentary evidence to show use of name, e.g. payslips; records of unemployment or disability payment; bank statement; college registration etc.; and

Evidence of residency at the application address, e.g. utility bills; official correspondence from public or private sector etc.

Upon receipt of an application the Passport Service undertakes a series of checks to verify the veracity of the application made. As the Deputy will appreciate it would be inappropriate to confirm the exact nature of these checks. However, as these checks take some time to complete, the Passport Service has advised that the fastest turnaround time for applications in this category is three working days. I should also explain that for those who have had multiple passport losses that the fastest turnaround time will be at a minimum ten working days.

I believe that these measures are reasonable, proportionate and have been designed to mitigate the risk of identity theft and to protect the international respect for and integrity of the Irish passport.