Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the fact that nearly 6,000 Irish passports were stolen in 2006, while a further 32,820 were lost or mislaid; his further views on whether the recent introduction of the biometric or e-passport will adequately address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10381/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of the biometric or e-Passport on 16 October, 2006 has greatly enhanced the security features of the Irish passport. The microchip in the passport contains a digital image of the holder which cannot be altered. Any attempt to alter the data on the microchip will be apparent when the passport is read at a border control station because of the added security on our chip. I am also committed to introducing into the Oireachtas a new Passport Bill which will include a series of new offences relating to the misuse of passports and passport fraud.

The number of stolen passports in 2006 was 6,000 but this must be seen in the context of 630,000 passports issued that year. As regards lost or mislaid passports, the Department is constantly urging that more care and vigilance be observed, and that passports should always be kept in a secure place.

Finally, I would point out that the details of all lost, stolen and mislaid passports are reported to Interpol, through An Garda Síochána, on a weekly basis. This information is now circulated to police forces around the World and should help prevent lost or stolen passports being fraudulently used for travel.