Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Let me take those suggestions on board.

The passport reform programme is continuing. While we made significant progress on passport delivery, turnaround times and the integrity of the passport, that process continues. I am happy to continue to engage on that.

On Deputy O'Shea's point, what I am saying for the people of Cork is that we are committed to Cork, to our Passport Office and to the new passport office. We will have the new passport office operational by autumn 2026 at 1 Navigation Square in Cork city. In addition to this, we will have the new building, the public office and the space and capacity for more staff. Our commitment to Cork and our presence and footprint in Cork are beyond doubt will be expanded.

My Department is not convinced of the business case for the printing machine but we will continue to keep this under review. I am happy to continue to engage. Perhaps next time I am in Cork, we might visit the passport service together and consider that further.

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