John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify the rationale behind the Passport Office ceasing to issue same day emergency or temporary one journey passports to the public, where an emergency arises in a business situation the financial burden which results from a persons inability to freely travel can have devastating implications for small businesses (details supplied); his plans to provide Irish citizens with travel documentation to facilitate more flexible travel within the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45949/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The fastest turnaround time for passport applications is three working days. During the peak season, the Passport Service receives between 300 and 400 applications per day for passports at short notice. In these circumstances, it is not possible to provide citizens with a same day service without significantly disrupting the service to other applicants. I have therefore asked the Passport Service to examine the feasibility and additional cost, to both the State and the customer, of providing a premium fast turnaround service. In relation to the provision of alternate travel documents, some European countries have identity cards which are accepted by the immigration services of other countries. Ireland does not issue identity cards to its citizens. However, we do issue emergency passports and emergency travel certificates on occasion. In order to minimise disruption of the regular service, the risk of identity theft and the circulation of falsified travel documents, such documents are generally only issued in cases of a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. i.e. travel is necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member.

With a view to avoiding future difficulties, I would urge all passport holders to use the online reminder service provided by the Passport Service which sends passport holders a reminder by e-mail three months before a passport is due to expire. The service is available at