Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Under programme B, the Department provides vital passport and consular services, as well as outreach services, for Irish communities abroad. The passport service issued more than 631,000 passports in 2013, generating revenue of €38.1 million. It strives to provide a quick, secure and affordable passport service. With up to 90% of applicants in the State now using the Passport Express application process, we have been able to meet a high level of demand with quicker turnaround times. An ongoing programme of investment in passport machinery and technology is under way, with new contracts for passport booklets, passport production machinery and passport application forms awarded in 2013. I was pleased to launch the newly designed and security enhanced passport booklet in September. The committee will note a €3.3 million capital allocation for further investment in 2014 in new technology. This is intended to streamline the application process and enhance further the security and integrity of the passport application process.

The number of citizens travelling has increased in the past decade, with over 6.3 million visits abroad in 2013. The increased volume of overseas travel has seen a growing need for consular assistance and support for citizens when they meet difficulties overseas. During 2014 we expect a similar level of consular assistance to be required to last year, when over 1,500 citizens were assisted. That assistance was provided following serious consular emergencies, including deaths, arrests, kidnappings, accidents, child abductions and hospitalisations.

The Emigrant Support Programme provides funding for non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. I am pleased to say the same level of funding is provided for in 2014 as last year, that is, €11.6 million. The organisations funded provide a range of services, from informal community networking groups for seniors to outreach services and advice in accessing entitlements. The programme also supports projects aimed at creating practical results-orientated links between Ireland and the global Irish. Projects that emerged as a consequence of the Global Irish Economic Forum, for example, include the development of Irish business networks.