Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We said we would provide a redacted version for the Deputies concerned. Members opposite, with the exception of Deputy Michael D. Higgins, were preoccupied over the past fortnight. I will revert to Deputy Pat Breen.

We must be careful about our remarks because no issue arises in respect of millions of Irish passports. There are approximately 2 million valid passports of the pre-2005 type held by Irish citizens on this island and around the world. We do not have correspondence details for every one of these people and must be practical. The Deputy may rest assured that from 2005 the investment in this area was very significant. On foot of advanced technological input, we have a very good high-quality passport. Understandably, the Irish passport is held in very high regard internationally and is not a soft touch.

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