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

It will cost €35. We are actively engaged with other jurisdictions to ensure its increased acceptance across Europe and beyond.

The passport service continually looks towards reform, embraces new technologies and offers a service to the public in a way which ensures efficiency. This year we intend to issue a number of contracts. They will include contracts for facial recognition software, in an attempt to combat fraud, and new mailing machines to improve efficiency of service. We will also look to improve our processes for sharing information with other Departments in a safe and secure way.

I acknowledge the words of Deputies Bernard J. Durkan and Ruairí Quinn about the consular service. In response to Deputy Eric Byrne's question, this is an area which presents a great challenge to those involved in the provision of a high quality consular assistance service for Irish citizens at home and abroad, which they do to very good effect. In 2014 the service assisted over 1,670 Irish citizens in cases of emergency, including deaths, illness, involvement with the criminal law, accidents, hospitalisations and abductions. There was an increase in demand in the order of 3% on the figure for 2013. With the opening of new missions, we expect to deal with a greater number of citizens requiring aid, assistance, support and help in 2015. On behalf of those involved in the unit, I accept what has been said about the assistance provided and the manner in which cases are dealtj with. I do not see a particular problem arising in any country. However, it is fair to say a trend is to be seen in jurisdictions and countries which have seen an influx of Irish immigrants. The more people who are working and living somewhere, the more likely it is that there will be a consequent requirement for consular services.

As well as offering aid and assistance, the Department, through its consular services, has registered more than 5,500 people for Irish citizenship under the foreign births registration system. We will continue, in spite of challenging budgets, to ensure Irish citizens abroad will continue to enjoy the level of service to which they have become accustomed through consular services.

I am happy to engage further with Deputy Ruairí Quinn and other members on passport comparison costs. However, the cost of an Irish passport is not high by international comparison. It appears that we come in at the lower end of the spectrum. I am happy to provide the detailed figures, although I do not have them to hand.