Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To take the last point first, we have increased significantly our footprint in our physical presence and number of people. Do I believe we need to do more? I do and when we talk about growing Ireland’s footprint it cannot just be about buildings but also the depth of the teams in those buildings. I am supportive of that and the Deputy can be assured I will make that case in the forthcoming budget. I am often amazed when I go to places. One would think there are 100 people working in them, they are so good, and then one finds out there is half a dozen. I am very proud of the work they do and I want us to better support them in numbers.

I thank the Deputy for her kind words about the Passport Office. We are quick enough as politicians to highlight when there is a challenge with the public service. I appreciate the recognition of the good work that has been done. I am also conscious, as is the passport service, that the work continues and, as the Deputy rightly said, there are other things we need to look at.

There is a process in place whereby a garda needs to witness certain application forms, including those of first-time applicants. We all know that is for good reasons. I am told around 17% of all passport applications require a garda witness and that is a vital element. We have a close and good working relationship with An Garda Síochána and we thank them for that. However, as part of our ongoing reform process, we are looking at a general update in policies. One area that would be good to get to is a digitisation of the records maintained by An Garda Síochána for witness applications. That would save a lot of the hassle because at the moment the Passport Office has to ring up to -----