Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, will speak about emigrant support services and the Diaspora.

Deputy Brendan Smith spoke about the cost of an emergency passport and the consequent hardship which he considered was placed on those making an application. There is no charge for an emergency passport over and above the normal cost of a passport. I accept what Deputy Ruairí Quinn said and I am happy to carry out a comparative analysis across a range of countries of the cost of a passport. Members will be aware of great improvements consequent on changes made in the Passport Office. In 2014 the Department issued 629,000 passports, generating €37 million in revenue. Everyone will agree that the passport service strives at all times to provide a fast, secure and affordable service. I acknowledge, in particular, the contribution in recent years of Mr. Joe Nugent who has now left the Passport Office. He presided over an office which provided a very fine service for citizens and the changes are ongoing.

Deputies Bernard J. Durkan and Eric Byrne mentioned the passport card. I have an example with me. It is similar in size to a credit card and fits easily into a wallet or purse. It contains the precise, detailed information contained in the passport booklet and is very secure. It will not, however, contain a visa for travel to countries where visas are required. It will be introduced in July and available to adult holders of an Irish passport. It will be accepted for travel throughout the European Union and the EEA travel area. I have no doubt that there will be a big demand for it, particularly among young adults. It represents a very positive and new departure.