Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 491: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will instigate a programme of nationwide expansion of the Passport Office, in order that the people of Ireland may acquire passports in all urban centres, not just Dublin and Cork. [11556/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Passport Office provides a comprehensive range of options for citizens to apply for passports. Applications may be made by express post through some 1,000 post offices across the state and some 70 post offices in Northern Ireland. A guaranteed 10 working day service is available for such applications which are complete and in order. Less urgent applications can also be made by ordinary post.

Applicants can also apply in person at the public offices in Dublin and Cork. Very positive comments are frequently made about the quality of service available at the public offices and I know also that the availability of a local office in Cork (which deals with applications across Munster) is greatly appreciated. Against the above background, the issue of opening additional offices in other locations will be kept under ongoing active review.