Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

If the Minister expects normal working practices to resume, when does he believe this will occur? Although I am aware the number of passport machines in operation is immaterial to the difficulties currently being experienced, will the Minister tell me the number of machines nationally and their work status?

The KPMG report on the passport office, issued in 2008, requested that a value-for-money review be carried out on the passport service. It recommended also that the office consider the concept of outsourcing the facility. The services of some countries, including Denmark and The Netherlands, and part of the British service are outsourced to private companies. Has the Minister considered this option? Has he had any discussions with a view to permitting our European colleagues to facilitate Irish passport holders whose passports may be out of date? What is the legal position on airlines that request a passport for travel to Britain? I am bearing Air Ryan in mind.

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