Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1221: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding waiting times for new passports and passport renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 12 August last I confirmed that the Passport Service had cleared the backlog of applications allowing the resumption of normal processing times.

For passports submitted through the Passport Express and the Northern Ireland Postal Express services, a return within 10 working days is now guaranteed. This service is available through local post offices and offers the simplest and most practical means of applying for a passport. A service to prioritise applications for those with immediate travel plans is also available and applications, with proof of immediate travel, are guaranteed to be processed within three working days. Applicants for this service should make contact with the Passport Service and provide this proof of travel. An additional fee will apply in respect of such applications. This is the fastest return time for any application, except for those whose travel is required for urgent humanitarian reasons.

Passport applications submitted through the standard postal system are processed within four-six weeks.

There is no general difference in processing times for those submitting their first application and those renewing their passport. However, fast track services, viz. the three-day service, are not generally available to first time applicants or to those who are reporting their previous passport lost or stolen.