Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

As the Deputy is aware, the programme for Government included the commitment that consideration would be given to transferring the passport service from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of Justice and Law Reform to operate as an independent executive agency under the aegis of that Department. Officials in my Department are currently examining the issues associated with this commitment and it is, therefore, premature to conclude at this time when this transfer will proceed. However, I expect to have made a decision on this matter within the next three months. A passport is an identity document and, in this context it is more appropriate that the issuing authority be under the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Law Reform which has responsibility for citizenship law. It would, in this regard, be in line with many passport agencies internationally. I have asked my officials to consider the most appropriate organisational arrangements which would enable the passport service to operate on a self financing basis, while maintaining a direct and accountable reporting relationship to the Dáil.

At this point I am unable to quantify the exact costs of a transfer, if it does proceed. However, I expect that where costs are experienced they would likely to be accommodated within the routine operation of the passport service.

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