Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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147. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding emergency passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17970/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Department has put in place arrangements to issue passports at short notice in circumstances where there is a death or family tragedy for an Irish citizen and travel is required. Additionally, the Molesworth Street office already receive and process over 200 passport applications per day to assist those travelling at short notice (3-10 days).

At the request of members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have asked the Passport Service to consider options to provide an additional service in circumstances where there is not an immediate emergency e.g. relating to travel in less than three days for a holiday or business trip overseas. However, must caution that there are some challenges which must be overcome in developing a new rapid application process. If one prioritises such cases, it means those queuing by normal means are pushed back somewhat. Additionally, in developing a new system an appropriate balance must be found between the demand for a short-notice service against the need to protect against the threats of identity theft, passport fraud and child abduction.

I am aware that over 600 applicants presented at the Passport Office in Molesworth Street on a number of days in 2012 all looking for passports at short notice. It will not be possible to develop a system to cope with anything like this level of demand. I would therefore encourage all passport holders to check their passports now and submit applications well in advance for renewal. For the assistance of Irish citizens the Passport Service also provides a very simple reminder option on the website