Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I will add to the query on Garda witnessing. The temporary system was established between the passport service and An Garda Síochána during the peak period in 2022 to verify applications in cases where the Garda signature could not be verified by calling to the Garda station. This new system assisted in reducing the number of applications that were delayed due to a failure to verify witness details. That system was paused at the beginning of September 2022. In the event it is required during the peak season of 2023, the passport service, jointly with An Garda Síochána, will consider reintroducing the system. The passport service is continually looking at ways to make it easier for applicants.