Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Passport Service is experiencing significant levels of demand but there are indications these are starting to decrease. Many countries have experienced that rise in demand after Covid restrictions eased. The Government and the Passport Service have responded. Demand for passports fell by 30% in June, when just over 100,000 new applications were received, compared to 146,000 in May. The Passport Service expects to see demand level off and return to more normal levels in the coming months and into next year. The number of passport applications currently in the system has also dropped by 30% in a few weeks, from close to 200,000 to just over 140,000 this week. This means the investment made in the Passport Service is paying off. The Passport Service will continue to work to deliver enhanced customer service and experience in service delivery to customers, which is a critical citizens' service.

There are two things citizens should know this summer. First, the urgent appointment service in Dublin and Cork is available to people who need to renew their passports urgently in time for travel. Second, Passport Online is up to four times faster than An Post passport for passport renewal applications and is the most efficient way to apply for a passport.

I encourage all citizens planning to travel overseas this year to check their passports before looking to travel and to apply online in plenty of time. I will take on board the points the Deputy has raised and bring them back to the Department.

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