Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Every year, we have the same issue when it comes to passports and the backlog in the Passport Office as we head into the holiday season. Myself, Martina, Fiona, Jackie and the people in my office are very thankful to the staff of the dedicated TD line who deal with our queries. However, being limited to 20 queries per week is only a drop in the ocean because I could well call more than 20 times per day. The entire process needs to be reviewed. When an application is received into the Passport Office, all the documentation is verified. At this stage in the process, however, why is it not highlighted that there is an error rather than waiting until the estimated date? In my office last week, I had three online applications with an estimated date of 30 April. They issued only last Friday on 17 May despite being highlighted on 1 May.

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