Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said earlier, Passport Online has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing resulting in greater efficiencies for the service and for customers. A total of 90% of applicants last year applied through Passport Online and that figure will continue to grow as the passport service's digital first strategy continues to roll out.

Demand for passports from Northern Ireland remains steady and represents about 10% of total applications received by the passport service. So far this year, the Passport Office has issued more than 64,000 passports to applicants residing in Northern Ireland. Out of the total of 78,000 applications received from Northern Ireland to date in 2023, almost 70,000 of these were made using Passport Online.

More than half of all simple adult online renewals issue within two working days, meaning that for many the online renewal service is faster than the four-day urgent appointment service offered at the counter in the Passport Office in Dublin and Cork. First-time applications are the most complex and it is therefore not possible to process these at an in-person appointment. It is important to note that the passport service public counters do not function as a walk-in service for passport queries. The urgent appointment service operates by appointment only through an online booking system.

Applicants in Northern Ireland who have a query about their application should contact the passport service customer service hub. The passport service website also provides comprehensive guidance to applicants on all aspects of the application process, from video guides to tracking an application in real time.

In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, the Department is of the view that a strong business case cannot currently be made for opening an additional passport office in the North. The Passport Service will continue to consider ways it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live.

See this speech in context