Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Rural Independent Group, I too wish Teresa Doolan the very best in her new role, as well as wishing Noel and Liam the very best in working with us going forward. I welcome Councillor Frankie Daly from Limerick, and the students from Limerick, to the House.

There is a massive issue in respect of passports. I presume that, like me, every Deputy, their constituency offices and staff are inundated with requests to get passports for people. For the past two years, people were unable to take a break or go on holiday. In some cases, infant children are now unable to get a passport for 40 days. If there is a small problem, the process goes on for two months. It is very unfair. Some people have cancelled their holidays. In one way, I cannot blame the Minister for Foreign Affairs for this problem because he has been very helpful with many cases, but there is a lack of staff in the Passport Office and that needs to be corrected. I would appreciate the Tánaiste addressing this matter.

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