Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I note the Minister for Foreign Affairs has initiated a review of the passports system where Oireachtas Members could have a drop-off box. That is not the big issue for me. I do not get as taxed as some of my colleagues do on it. However, there is a related issue, namely, the opening hours of the Passport Office. It opens Monday to Friday but not on Saturday or Sunday. I do not believe it has late opening. We need to look at a system whereby the opening hours of the Passport Office are user friendly to meet the needs of modern society.

We should also have an information kiosk at Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport for people who arrive and whose passports are out of date or who have lost their passport. It happens to us all. If that mechanism or lo-call help numbers were in place at airports we would not run into the present difficulties and the drop-off box would not be an issue. Ultimately it does not bestow any privilege on the Deputy having it. It just means an individual from one's constituency does not have to come to Dublin because one can come in the morning and gets one's passport if one joins the queue. As present that system takes two or three days. This benefits somebody who may not be able to come to Dublin due to the opening hours of the Passport Office.

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