Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators who contributed to the debate on the Bill, which was constructive and informative. It is clear from the debate and the debate in the Dáil that there is a consensus regarding the Bill. We all share a common desire to put in place a comprehensive legislative basis which will ensure the continued provision of a high quality and secure passport service.

As in most countries, demand for passports here is seasonal, with a peak in demand from March to June. As we now enter that peak season it is worth reflecting on the scale of the challenges facing the Passport Office. The Passport Office has the largest client base of any State service. Approximately 4.2 million valid Irish passports are held by Irish citizens throughout the world. More than 600,000 passports were issued in 2007, an increase of over 50% on the figure four years previously. Preliminary data for the first two months of 2008 suggest a continuing high level of demand.

A notable feature of the passport service is that it is the only State service which operates on the ground in all 32 counties. It is very much a local service with the facility available to citizens to apply through the express post service in over 1,000 post offices in the South and some 70 post offices throughout the North. The express post route offers a guaranteed ten working days service for applications which are fully in order. That compares favourably with the level of service available in other EU member states. Applicants can also apply in person at the public offices in Dublin and Cork.

In reply to many of the questions raised, I would like to see other outlets, particularly in the north west, as mentioned by Senator Keaveney, in Limerick — we have a new decentralised office in the mid-west — and in the west where it is hoped to have an Irish aid centre in future years similar to the one on O'Connell Street.

When proof of travel is provided, applications can be processed within ten working days and in urgent cases. On payment of an additional fee, an applicant can acquire a passport on the day of application or the following day. An out-of-hours service is also available for genuine emergencies at weekends and on public holidays.

The passport service is held in high regard and frequent positive comments are made about the quality of service available at the public offices. In particular, the availability of a local office in Cork which deals with the Munster area is greatly appreciated. This was referred to in the Dáil debate. The number and distribution of public offices will be kept under ongoing review having regard to the level of applications made from various parts of the country. I am conscious the level of applications made through Northern post offices has risen steadily in the past two years. This is a trend which is likely to continue.

The quality of service provided by the Passport Office could not have been maintained without the major programme of investment in technology of recent years. In my opening remarks, I referred to the successful completion of initiatives such as the introduction of machine-readable passports, the automated processing system and the introduction of e-passports. These initiatives mean we now have a modern, efficient and, above all, secure means of passport production. It is also possible to track the progress of an application on-line. The Department will continue to keep matters under review to see what contribution evolving technology may make in terms of the efficiency and quality of the service provided.

Most importantly, the high quality of the passport service is mainly due to the hard work and customer service focus of the staff of the Passport Office. I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to them for their hard work and dedication, and to my officials in the Department, two of whom are with me today.

Senators made interesting points during the debate and I will reply to some of them. Senator Cummins welcomed the Bill and wondered why it has taken so long. I agree with him that 1924 is a long time ago. He referred to passports for sale which is a thing of the past and has no place in the modern Irish passport system. Senators are also correct about the high reputation of the Irish passport.

I agree with Senator Cummins that we need a clear legislative base for our passport system. The Government is conscious of the important symbolism of the passport. This is why we invested heavily in the technology about which I spoke. Our passport is among the most secure in the world. I share the Senator's condemnation of abuse and misuse of our passports and this Bill will make it easier to prosecute those who offend. Senator Cummins also referred to the move to Balbriggan. The Molesworth Street office in central Dublin, which is an important office, will remain open.

I thank Senator Ormonde for her comments. She spoke about the fact that a passport is more than a travel document. It is important evidence of our identity and citizenship. Senator Ormonde also stated the Bill is necessary. It is important as it gives greater clarity and legal certainty to existing and established practices in the office. The Senator also referred to a citizen's right to privacy. I fully support her on this and it is important it is maintained.

On the question of difficulties at airports, to which Senator Ormonde also referred, we operate an emergency system to issue passports on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week basis. Identity and entitlement must be checked and it may not be always possible to issue a passport on the spot. We are examining the possibility of new outlets and we could consider airports as the Senator suggested.

Senator Fergal Quinn referred to the Schengen Agreement. We want to see easier travel within Europe, particularly to and from our fellow European Union member states. However, we also should be aware of the strong implications for North-South relations. The UK is outside the Schengen area. We do not want to see a physical border re-established in Ireland. I will take on board what the Senator stated and pass on his views to the Minister.

Senator Walsh raised the question of relaxing the rules on consent for children to travel. The provision on the relaxation of rules on consent is discretionary. It allows, but does not oblige, the Minister to regard consent previously given as valid until a child reaches 18 years of age. It is intended to reduce the burden on families. However, in situations where the Passport Office becomes aware of any difficulty, it may require the consent of both guardians to be given again in writing for the issue of a passport.

With regard to biometrics, which was raised by Senators Walsh and Doherty, we have no plans to include a second biometric, such as fingerprints, on our passports. Senator Walsh is correct to state this has been put in place in some locations, particularly in other EU member states. We do not intend to do so but provision is made to include a second biometric in the future if it becomes a standard international practice.

On Senator Mullen's point on gender reassignment, this provision was included in the Bill to reflect the established practice of the Passport Office. For many years we have issued passports to persons who have changed gender. The Foy case to which he referred does not invalidate the practice. Should any changes be required with regard to birth certificates, these will be reflected in amending legislation. This is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children. Senator Boyle also raised the matter of birth certificates.

With regard to Senator Keaveney's point on travel between Belfast and Dublin, there are no plans to introduce passport controls between North and South. Senator Doherty spoke about the appeals system. I am glad this will be included in the Bill. The passport appeals officer cannot overrule the Minister. I assure the Senator we will not privatise the biometric system. We are merely speaking about having this in place, and if necessary, a second biometric will be provided.

I thank Senator Hanafin for his remarks on the Schengen Agreement which were interesting. The Senator made clear the reality of the situation as it exists. This may change and it is true to state that some of the difficulties encountered while travelling between Ireland and Great Britain are to do with the practices of airlines rather than legislation or regulations. I thank the Senators for their comments. We will return to some of these issues on Committee and Report Stages.