Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Great. I am delighted to hear it. I recognise, however, that there is a practicality deficit in making that request. I recognise wholeheartedly that the impetus behind this motion is so much about symbolism. I also recognise the statement we would be making in opening a passport office in Belfast and I absolutely support the symbolism and the impetus behind that. I also recognise, however, what the Minister of State has said about the practicality of it. I do not know which overtakes the other or which is more important and I do not know that I can make that value judgment now, but I recognise what the Minister of State has said about the practicality of this. I would be so proud if somebody living in Andersonstown could walk down the street to collect his or her Irish passport. That, I think, would give us all great pride. I reiterate, however, what the Minister of State said about how we have advanced in respect of the delivery of passports through an online system rather than an in-person system. I share the stories others have told about people who have applied online and got their passports. I think I renewed my passport two years ago. I got it within two days of the application being made online, so it is an extraordinary service, and in that context there is a practicality consideration.

Nonetheless I welcome the motion. It refers to the backlog, which is no longer there, but refers also to the huge demand on the island of Ireland. I think we all welcome with open arms the fact that so many people want to become part of the global Irish community. I congratulate the Minister of State on that, I congratulate my colleagues on bringing forward the motion and I very much understand the rationale behind it, which is a very welcome approach to some level of integration or sharing on this island.