Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Issues relating to citizenship are currently dealt with by the Department of Justice and Law Reform. The issuance of passports is different now from 30 or 40 years ago when it was taken as a matter of course that this would be done by the Department of Foreign Affairs. In many jurisdictions, the issuing of passports is closely aligned with immigration functions and the issuing of identities.

The Deputy asked about the busy summer season and I will ensure sufficient resources are available in the Passport Office to avoid delays. Ideally, I would like to have a scenario where it is not necessary for people seeking passports to have to route their queries through busy Members who will have many legislative responsibilities to deal with. However, it is something I will look at.

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