Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Allow me to ask this question because this is not a matter of fun; there is a passport facility in Cork. If a problem arises concerning a passport application of an applicant from Westport or Bellmullet, the applicant has to take the train or drive to Dublin to sort out the matter. This has happened on numerous occasions. That has been the position before this dispute arose. I have a simple question for the Minister of State. Has he or the Government any plans in this respect? Why should people have to travel to Dublin to get a passport? The Government has a policy of decentralisation. Why must people from my county have to travel to Dublin to get a passport? More people from County Mayo than from any other county have queued outside the Passport Office today because there is not a passport office in County Mayo. That needs to be examined. We do not even want an office; we need a facility where people can get a passport rather than having to travel to Dublin to get one. Does the Minister of State consider that is a reasonable request?

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