Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation regarding his review of the arrangements in place for Deputies to use the drop box facilities for passport applications [23639/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated in the reply to Parliamentary Questions 239 to 242 on 26 February 2008, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that he had asked the Secretary General of the Department to undertake a review of all aspects of the special passport facility for Members of the Oireachtas, including whether it should be continued in place.

The Secretary General in March established a Committee to undertake the review, and this has met on a number of occasions. It is expected to complete its work in the near future.

As part of the review, my predecessor wrote to all Deputies and Senators to elicit their views. I know that many Members of both Houses have provided input, and would like to express my appreciation to them for doing so. In addition, several party leaders responded to my predecessor's invitation to nominate a representative to meet with members of the Committee to discuss the issue.