Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I commend the staff in the Passport Office who are under severe pressure and who are doing their level best to deal with the increased demand.

The Minister may have heard the Irish ambassador to Britain, H.E. Mr. Dan Mulhall, earlier today talking about the dramatic increase in passport applications from the United Kingdom. There was a 9% increase last year, year on year. It is probably projected to increase further.

I met the head of the Passport Service quite recently. I want to know does the Passport Office have the resources it needs. Is the Minister confident that they have the manpower and systems in place? I note the online renewal and online passport application has been successful in the short time since it has been launched.

Like all other Deputies and the Minister, I receive on a daily basis calls from distressed citizens whose passports will not be available in time for them to travel. It is particularly stressful. There are families paying a lot of money for probably the one holiday they will get each year. Has there been any thought of looking at changing the application, in so far as those with travel documents are concerned as opposed to the increase in applications coming in from Britain merely to have the passport but not necessarily with a need to travel? Is the Minister looking at any changes in procedures at present and will we be able to continue to cope with the increased demand?

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