Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I stated earlier, due to the nature of the committee's meetings, it is not appropriate to disclose the information concerning its meetings or any of its proceedings. This is a matter to be directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs who has responsibility for the Passport Office. There has been a debate in the House on the specific instances referred to by the Deputy. Clearly this is an issue concerning older passports. The questions the Deputy has raised are ones that can be directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs so that the information will be available to him.

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