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

The point at issue is defining what constitutes an emergency. In the event of there being a bereavement or death abroad, an extra charge does not apply to the procurement of a passport. The only additional charge arises in cases where non-emergency applications for a passport are made seeking a quick turnaround. Where a person in a non-emergency case requires a passport to issue in a time of less than five days, a charge of €55 applies. The charge does not apply in the case of a bereavement or death abroad.