Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Now that society is gradually returning to some normality, including in respect of international travel, it is vital that the backlog is cleared as quickly as possible. It is important that supports and systems are put in place to avoid a repeat of long delays, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, when thousands of people are expected to travel home, probably for the first time in two years, to be reunited with family and friends. Now is the time to plan ahead and make the necessary resources available to the Passport Office.

I welcome the fact that the urgent appointment service for the renewal of passports recommenced last Monday. Although it is good news for the public, it is to be hoped it will also bring some relief to the staff of the Passport Office as it will allow for a more structured working day. How will the urgent appointments service operate? What criteria must be met for an application to be deemed urgent? How many urgent passport applications will be catered for daily? What will the waiting period be for receipt of such passports?

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