Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a passport error in respect of a person (details supplied). [40717/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last month the individual in question made direct contact with the Passport Service in regard to the gender value in the passport which was issued to her in February, 2011. The circumstances of her complaint have been investigated. The following facts were established:

(i) the individual in question declared on her application form that her gender was male;

(ii) the individual's error with regard to her gender went through the passport process without being changed;

(iii) her passport was subsequently issued with the male gender value on display;

(iv) the records of the individual's previous passport show her gender as female;

(v) No transgender issues arise in this case that would warrant a change in her gender.

In light of these findings, the Passport Service found that a free replacement passport should issue. This was done on 17 September, 2013.

It is a matter of regret that this unfortunate sequence of events placed the individual and her family in a difficult and stressful situation while travelling abroad recently. While it accepted that the incorrect statement of gender was not identified during the processing of the application, the onus must be on each applicant to complete his/her application form correctly and on receipt of the passport to check that their personal details are correct. Section 8 of the Passport Application Form requires the applicant to declare that the particulars in the application are correct and the information notes, which accompany the application form, also advise that it is essential that the application is completed correctly .

Moreover, it is clear that despite her regular use of the incorrect passport, this error was only recently detected. Once an error in the printed details is discovered by an applicant, the matter should be reported to the Customer Care Unit in the Passport Service. Passport policy permits the early and free replacement of erroneous passports. Early detection of such errors will result in quick remedial action and avoid any difficulties while travelling abroad.