Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

As Deputy Lynch correctly indicated, there are two aspects to this matter and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Michael P. Kitt, only addressed one, the time aspect. He quoted section 19(15), which states that the Minister may prescribe time limits, but can this be amended on the floor of the House to state that the Minister shall prescribe time limits? We feel that if the word "may" stays in the legislation, time limits will probably not be applied. Many Departments have time limits and where there are none, such as in dealings with the Land Registry and the Health Service Executive, HSE, it is difficult to elicit information. Can the word "may" be replaced by "shall" in this case, although a specific amendment in this regard has not been tabled?

The second aspect of this, which the Minister of State did not refer to in his response, is the reason for refusal. If I am denied planning permission I receive a letter explaining why it has been refused and I can get detailed information on the refusal from the local authority. A person refused a passport deserves this information, at the very least, particularly if he or she is to make an appeal. If a person is denied a passport under this legislation, how is he or she to formulate an appeal without knowing the reason for the denial?

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