Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [13217/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the Passport Service is currently experiencing disruption to services caused by ongoing industrial action throughout the public service. This industrial action has curtailed the flexibility previously available in delivering passport services. On 4 March the Department of Foreign Affairs advised passport customers through the press and on the Passport Service website that the public counters and out of hours services should only be used by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. Additionally it was explained that it would not be possible to fast-track any application other than in a case of genuine family emergency. A definition of travel in respect of a genuine family emergency was further defined as that travel necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member. In the case of this applicant the circumstances of genuine family emergency did not apply and therefore it was not possible to fast-track the application. Passport customers are advised to send their applications through the An Post Passport Express service where current turnaround times are approximately fifteen – twenty working days.