Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was refused their application for an Irish passport in May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23414/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, it might be helpful to explain that in line with international requirements my Department has included, since October 2006, a biometric feature in passports. This feature, which is stored on a microchip in the passport, uses facial characteristics generated from photographs submitted with passport applications. In order to meet international standards, it is necessary to use high quality photographs. Details of the requirements for passport photographs are set out in guidelines supplied with each application form.

In this case, the applicant applied for a passport on 8 April, 2008. The documents submitted with his application established that he was an Irish citizen and thus entitled to an Irish passport. However, a passport could not be issued to him because the submitted photographs did not meet the required standard. The Department wrote to him on 15 April, 2008 to explain that the submitted photographs could not be accepted because he was positioned too close to the camera when his photographs were taken. The placement of his head in the photographs made it impossible to capture his correct biometric details which are necessary to allow for the issue of his passport. The letter requested the submission of a second set of photographs. The guidelines for passport photographs were enclosed with that letter.

A second set of photographs was received on 21 April, 2008. Unfortunately, these did not meet the required standard either. On 22 April, 2008 the Department wrote to the applicant, explaining again the problem with his photographs, and requesting the submission of another set of photographs. No further photographs were received. Instead, the applicant contacted the Department on 14 July, 2008 and requested the cancellation of his application. This was done and his passport fee was refunded to him on 21 July, 2008. It is open to the applicant to submit another application. My Department will ensure the prompt issue of a passport to him on receipt of a properly completed passport application form, suitable photographs and the payment of the relevant passport fee.