Written answers

Thursday, 14 April 2016

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Passport Applications Data

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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637. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting time for a properly completed passport express application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7005/16]

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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638. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to expedite passport applications, given the anticipated summer rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7006/16]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 638 together.

The target turnaround time for properly completed passport applications submitted in person at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and through the An Post Passport Express service is ten working days. All applications which were submitted in person at the Passport Offices so far this year have met the guideline turnaround times. Due to a significant increase in demand Passport Express applications are currently being processed within 11/12 working days and first time applications within 20 working days.

I would underline that the ten day turnaround time for the An Post service is a target rather than a stated guarantee. It is strongly recommended that all citizens apply at least six weeks in advance of any planned travel.

To respond to the anticipated increase in seasonal demand the Passport Service has recruited additional Temporary Clerical Officers who will work for a total of 5,122 weeks this year. This represents approximately a 15% increase in the number of weeks sanctioned over last year. Application processing work has been redistributed across passport offices in recent weeks and staff re-deployed from other areas of the Department as needed to respond to the increased workload. The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation, including with respect to the deployment of resources, to ensure that the impact of the high volume of demand on turnaround times is minimised.

The busy season for applications has started. I would remind customers to check in advance of applying which service is best suited to their needs to ensure they receive their passports in good time for travel. Once an application is submitted for a particular service, such as through An Post Express or Rapid Renewal, it cannot be switched to another service.

If travelling in more than ten working days the Passport Express service through the An Post office network is the most convenient and cost effective channel. If travelling in three to ten working days applications should be submitted in person, with an appointment, at either the Dublin or Cork Passport Offices. Appointments are available at the website, If customers are travelling in under three working days and have a renewal application they may avail of the Rapid Renewal Service. This service is only available in the Passport Office Dublin. A flight booking will be needed as part of the appointment booking service and an emergency fee applies. Appointments are available at the website .

The Passport Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website is updated weekly to advise customers of current turnaround times for passport applications.

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