Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The question related to staffing generally. The Department has shown a commendable efficiency in how it has expanded its work and in reducing overtime and temporary workers. The vast majority of increased staff actually effected a significant reduction in temporary contracted staff in the Passport Office. The number of passport applications has greatly increased owing to additional applications from Northern Ireland and for children etc. The queries we get from all over the country that my private office needs to attend to on an ongoing basis are very fundamental ones relating to people who are abroad facing various challenges and difficulties. We are often the first port of call to help our citizens overseas. After approximately six months in the job, my observation is that the majority of calls relate to those kinds of inquiries.

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