Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes a very important point. The passport service offers a passport reminder service to customers, which can be accessed via the passport service web page, www.passport.ie. It automatically sends an e-mail three and six months before a passport is due to expire to those who register. Registration simply requires passport holders to record their names, e-mail addresses and expiry dates of their passports. It is envisaged that as part of the future online application process for passport renewals for adults, which is scheduled to launch in early 2017, reminder notifications will automatically be sent to passport holders well in advance of renewal dates.

In respect of the Deputy's concern regarding the Irish community in Britain following the referendum, according to the 2011 census for England and Wales and Scotland, there are a total of 430,000 Irish born people resident in Britain, 407,000 in England and Wales and 23,000 in Scotland. Estimates vary as to how many second and later generation Irish people live in Britain. It is not possible to say what proportion of these people may apply for an Irish passport. We will continue to monitor the situation. In the meantime, there is no need for concern because the current legal regulations still apply and will continue to apply until after the conclusion of negotiations.

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