Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if provision will be made for on-line passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is implementing a new passport issuing system. This involves the introduction of a new passport booklet and a complete upgrade of the systems and work processes for handling passport applications. When fully implemented, Ireland will have one of the most advanced and secure passport systems in the world.

As part of the development of the new system, it is intended to make provision for citizens to make on-line passport applications in the sense of transmitting their personal information across the Internet. However, they will still have to submit their photograph and signature and supporting documentation to establish their identity to the Passport Office by post or by hand. It is also proposed to enable citizens to check on-line the status of passport applications already submitted. These facilities should be available later this year.

In the longer term, my Department will discuss with the Reach agency the arrangements for providing a complete on-line passport application service, whereby passport applications could be submitted in full through the public services broker which would provide the level of authentication of identity necessary for the Passport Office. The timetable for the provision of this service will depend on the further development of the public services broker which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. This initiative will be a welcome change for those applicants who must take a day off work to travel to Dublin and queue outside the Passport Office in the winter months. With regard to passport smart cards, are there any plans to introduce digitally captured biometrics, for example, iris scans or finger prints?

Will the system be improved for people in Northern Ireland who regularly encounter difficulties when they present at Garda stations? Gardaí at Pearse Street station in Dublin, for example, will not know a person from County Down who presents to them and will tell him or her to go to Dundalk Garda station. Are there plans to enhance the procedure for applications from the North?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has already made a decision to introduce passports containing biometric information. The reason is to comply with EU regulations and US legislation and ensure that Irish citizens are able to transfer with ease in and out of the United States. Funding has been provided in the Estimate for the introduction of biometrics and we hope to produce biometric passports with finger printing on a pilot basis by October. The inclusion of iris identification at a future date is under consideration.

We must be extremely careful regarding proof of identity. Examples such as that described by the Deputy occur from time to time. However, I assure him that the purpose of the considerable investment of €27.5 million to date in the new system and centralising passport production in Balbriggan and Molesworth Street is to ensure uniformity and co-ordination across the island and for those who apply to our embassies for passports. All efforts are made to make the process of applying for passports as easy as possible while also guaranteeing proper identification of those applying for passports. The difficulties which arise from time to time for applicants travelling from the North are dealt with on a case by case basis.