Dáil debates

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Priority Questions

Passport Applications Data

4:15 pm

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of new and renewal passport applications respectively in the system; the target turnaround time for each category of applicant; the actual turnaround time for each category of applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25613/17]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I wanted to ask the Minister, following an update I received in February, to outline the number of new and renewal passport applications respectively in each of the systems, the target turnaround time for each category of applicant, and the actual turnaround time for each category of applicant. I know the Minister is acutely aware of the pressures our passport service is under at the moment. I ask him to use this opportunity to provide an update on how we are attaining our targets.

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As of 26 May, there were almost 80,000 passport applications in the processing system. Of these, approximately 34,000 were first-time applications and 46,000 were renewals.

The turnaround time for online applications is 10 working days plus postage. The target turnaround time for Passport Express renewal applications is 15 working days and this is currently being met. The target turnaround time for first-time applications and applications for renewal of lost, stolen or damaged passports through Passport Express is 20 working days. These categories of application take longer due to the extra security checks involved.

The average turnaround time for these applications is currently 24 working days. This is mainly as a result of the exceptionally large volume of applications in the processing system.

As more applicants use the online passport application service, the efficiency gains will help improve turnaround times more broadly. I urge all Deputies to promote the use of this service to all adults who qualify.

I take the opportunity also to reiterate how important it is that applicants choose the most appropriate application channel, depending on their individual circumstances. The Passport Express option should only be used by those who are travelling in three weeks or more. Anyone renewing a passport who needs to travel in under three weeks should make an appointment online to apply in person at the Passport Office, in either Dublin or Cork. Naturally, there is a limited number of such appointments available and it is important that we collectively promote best practice and encourage citizens to check their passport is in date before booking travel. It is considered best practice to allow six weeks for a passport application, as difficulties can arise where an application is incomplete or where further information is required.

My Department provides a free renewal reminder email service and I ask Deputies to join me in promoting the use of this service.

All applicants are advised on notes accompanying the passport application form to check current turnaround times online on the website of my Department. These are updated on a weekly basis.

4:25 pm

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister. I commend the staff in the Passport Office who are under severe pressure and who are doing their level best to deal with the increased demand.

The Minister may have heard the Irish ambassador to Britain, H.E. Mr. Dan Mulhall, earlier today talking about the dramatic increase in passport applications from the United Kingdom. There was a 9% increase last year, year on year. It is probably projected to increase further.

I met the head of the Passport Service quite recently. I want to know does the Passport Office have the resources it needs. Is the Minister confident that they have the manpower and systems in place? I note the online renewal and online passport application has been successful in the short time since it has been launched.

Like all other Deputies and the Minister, I receive on a daily basis calls from distressed citizens whose passports will not be available in time for them to travel. It is particularly stressful. There are families paying a lot of money for probably the one holiday they will get each year. Has there been any thought of looking at changing the application, in so far as those with travel documents are concerned as opposed to the increase in applications coming in from Britain merely to have the passport but not necessarily with a need to travel? Is the Minister looking at any changes in procedures at present and will we be able to continue to cope with the increased demand?

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I recognise this is an ongoing challenge of significant dimensions having regard to issues as raised by Deputy Darragh O'Brien. A total of 75,145 applications have come from Northern Ireland and almost 70,000 from Great Britain between 25 June last year and 29 May this year. This is an increase of 50% from Northern Ireland and 55% from Great Britain over that period. I keep the situation under review at all times.

I welcome suggestions from Deputies. I was pleased to have the matter introduced by way of discussion at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence last week.

We have taken on new staff. As of January this year, 301 permanent full-time equivalent staff were assigned to the Passport Service. This is up 272 full-time equivalent staff from January 2015. To assist with strong seasonal demand from April to July, we have almost 230 temporary clerical officers in place. The matter remains under review.

It is a challenge but we are anxious to provide a level of service that will deal with all of applications in a timely manner. My advice must be for citizens to check their passport and apply in time.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for his response, and also for the fact that this is under continual review. As I have said, all of us will be aware of the stresses that this generates for families when they find their passports may not be processed in time or are out of date. The first thing people should do, before any holidays or travel is booked, is to check their passport.

The figures the Minister has given me in relation to the increases in applications in such a short time, from the North of Ireland of 50% and from Britain of 55%, are stark. Has the Department, in conjunction with the diplomatic service in Britain, looked at projecting that forward into next year? If anything, when we get into the Brexit negotiations further, when those in Britain realise that they are leaving the European Union and the value an Irish passport will hold with regard to freedom of travel across the rest of the European Union and residence, we should prepare for the worst. The applications of those who need passports to travel are being caught up in the system with those of others who are simply and understandably concerned about their travel rights within Europe at any time in the future.

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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We are in the course of a comprehensive reform programme in the Passport Office which will involve upgrading and modernising all system across the Passport Service up to 2019. This includes newer technology, new business processes, extra staff, improved service. We also moved office. This is medium-to-long-term planning in the Passport Office. We have also taken steps to improve communications with citizens.

Of course, the online application will considerably improve the situation. Already, the online service has processed over 30,000 applications. Public feedback has been positive.

I recognise the challenge here. I understand the frustration on the part of many citizens but I acknowledge that we are providing an important service, albeit under challenging circumstances. I urge Deputies to encourage use of the online system as the default option for anybody renewing his or her passport. The greater the uptake, the more resources that can be devoted to the more complex cases, such as first-time applicants, including first-time children applications, which take a bit of time.

My advice, at the end of this question as at the commencement of the question, is to allow sufficient time, advise applicants to apply online and check their passport, particularly now as we are entering the holiday season.