Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My question also concerns the long delays in issuing passports. I take on board the Tánaiste's point that there has been a huge increase in the number of passport applications, which is a positive in a way as it reflects the popularity of the Irish passport. There are problems with new applicants, renewals and children's passports, and there is still a problem with online applications. Constituents in Laois-Offaly come to me constantly with cases like this. Sometimes with the help of staff, we manage to get them through while, at other times, we do not. I understand that staff are working hard and that additional staff have been deployed but there are delays for new applicants, renewals and online applications.

This morning, I dealt with the case of a family in Portlaoise that is going to Lourdes. It has been promised that its outstanding passport will be ready today or tomorrow and I hope that is what transpires. The passport in question was applied for seven weeks ago, in early May. Constituents are relaying back to us that there are particular problems trying to get responses from the Dublin office about the current status of their passport applications. We are encouraging people to apply online. Although I agree with the Tánaiste that it is a better system, there are delays that need to be addressed. Substantial revenues are being generated from the issuing of passports. I do not know how the financing of it works out. People in Laois, Offaly and other parts of the country are anxious for passports to be issued more speedily.

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