Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way Irish persons living abroad can have their passports renewed without having to present at a Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39514/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Whereas passport applicants resident in Ireland must have their passport witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána, the procedure for passport applicants resident outside of the State differs.

Passport applicants resident outside of the State must have the certificate of identity section of the application form completed by a member of one of the listed professions detailed on the form. Acceptable witnesses, who are not related to the applicant, include Police Officer, Member of the Clergy, Medical Doctor, Lawyer, Bank Manager/Assistant Manager, Elected Public Representative, Notary Public/Commissioner for Oaths, Peace Commissioner, School Principal/Vice Principal and Accountant. The range of persons, who are acceptable for witnessing purposes, was drawn up on the basis of their community engagement and their capacity to be more likely to be in a position to positively confirm the identity of the applicant.

The witness is required to confirm that they are satisfied as to the identity of the applicant, to sign and stamp the application form and to sign the back of one of the photographs supplied.

The completed application form should be sent to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate, or in the case of Northern Ireland applications,through the local post office.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39562/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Passports Act, 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister for Foreign Affairs shall be satisfied that that person is an Irish citizen and that in the case of children full parental or guardian consent is provided. Documentary proof in respect of identity and entitlement to citizenship are required for all passport applications. These requirements are outlined in the passport application form notes that accompany each application form. Details are also available on the Department's website.

Birth certificates are among the standard documents that are required for applications that involve children and persons, aged 18 and over the age, who are first–time applicants. These certificates are critical to the passport process in the following ways:

(i) Each certificate confirms and verifies the applicant's personal details such as his/her date and place of birth which appear on that person's passport.

(ii) They help to demonstrate the person's entitlement to Irish citizenship which is a pre-requisite for passport issue; and

(iii) Details of parents are stated on these certificates. This is important to the Passport Service in ensuring that the full parental consent to the issue of a passport to a minor is provided.

For the reasons above, birth certificates are and remain a basis requirement for passport applications.

As the Passport Service does not have sufficient information in relation to this individual application, I have asked that they make contact directly with the Deputy to discuss the specifics of this case.