Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again acknowledge the points made by the Deputy. I undertake to have a look at the individual questions he asked and to reply to him at the earliest opportunity.

It is most important that at the outset applicants choose the most appropriate channel, and I am grateful for the assistance of Deputies in the matter of advising constituents. I ask Deputies to join me in promoting the use of the online service. The response from applicants has been extremely positive. A promotional campaign is under way which should lift the numbers further. As more applicants avail of the service, the efficiency gains will help improve the turnaround time more broadly.

The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has had an impact, as has the ongoing economic recovery, which has led to more people travelling abroad. I repeat that it is considered best practice to allow six weeks for an application in case any issue arises. Issues arise in the matter of incomplete documentation or whatever and it is vital that applicants choose the correct channel when applying.

I ask for the assistance of Deputies in this regard. The passport service clearly sets out the current turnaround times in public communications. I urge Deputies to promote the use of the free e-mail renewal reminder service provided by the Department through the website, www.dfa.ie.

I wish to pay tribute to the hard work and professionalism of the staff in the Passport Offices in Dublin, in Balbriggan and in Cork who as always have risen to the challenges. I am not saying there are not further challenges to be dealt with and I thank the Deputy for raising some issues that I will undertake to pursue.

The online passport renewal service is a major innovation and it will considerably enhance passport processing capacity. We have already seen over 21,000 online applications in the six weeks since the launch and the service looks set to handle one third of all renewals this year, well ahead of target. Given the benefits to applicants of a faster turnaround time and convenience, as well as the efficiency gains, the service should be the default for everyone eligible. I strongly urge Deputies to encourage its use.

See this speech in context