Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will. That is the short answer. I join the Deputy in thanking my officials and staff in the passport service for the excellent work they have carried out. Often, I point to the passport service as an example of good practice when it comes to public service reform as regards the work that has been done with the use of technology and online service. The passport service issued over 1 million passport books and cards in 2024.

That was a milestone. Forecasts for this year indicate continued strong demand, with around 940,000 applications expected.

The passport service is successfully meeting the high demand, with turnaround times currently ahead of target for virtually all application types. The majority of online adult renewal applications issue within two working days - people are often surprised at how quickly a passport can arrive - and more than 100,000 passports have already been issued this year.

The passport service's programme of reform will continue through this year and next year, with the delivery of a number of highly complex and transformational projects that are necessary to future-proof service delivery, enhance the customer experience, ensure business continuity, and, crucially, safeguard the integrity of the Irish passport. Successful delivery of these projects will ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of passport processing worldwide.

The passport online service already offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passports 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is user friendly. It is an efficient service that is now available to 99.9% of all applicants across the world.

In terms of personnel, the passport service is well staffed, with 855 officers currently assigned. An additional 20 officers will be assigned in the coming weeks, meaning that the passport service believes it is in an excellent position to deliver the demand forecast for the rest of this year. Ensuring that we have enough staff to respond to demand is a priority for my Department and is kept under constant review.

We are running a multimedia campaign reminding citizens to apply for their passports on time and, if at all possible, online. The campaign focuses on the benefits of applying online, as 93% of applicants did last year, and encourages citizens to check their passports in advance of booking foreign travel in 2025.

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