Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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311. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider the introduction of a system within the Passport Office whereby elderly persons can avail of a more economical short-term 90-day passport, as the cost of a long-term passport represents an unnecessary expense for pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37060/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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It is the norm internationally to provide passports of a ten year standard period of validity to all adults. A reduced term of validity for children’s passports is necessary as their appearance can change significantly within a short period of years, which can lead to uncertainty as to the identity of the passport holder. However this is not generally the case for adults of any age. For these reasons, there are no plans to introduce a passport of less than ten year validity for adult applicants.