Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

146. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the processing time for passport renewals; why it appears that the tracking is not updated regularly; if passports are processed within the ten working days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11073/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are a number of ways of submitting your passport application and each of these services have different turnaround times. Passport Express through the An Post office network is most convenient and cost effective method for applicants who wish to renew a passport and whose departure date is more than 15 working days away.

It should be noted that the turnaround time of 15 working days for the An Post Passport Express service is a target issue date, and not a stated guarantee and it is considered best practice to allow at least six weeks for passport applications.

As of 19 May, the turnaround time for applications through Passport Express is 14/15 working days.

Applicants travelling in less than 15 workings days should use the Passport Office website to make an appointment online to submit their application in person through the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork ().

The Online Passport tracking service is updated 3 times a day. Once an application has moved along the production line, it will show an updated status.

I strongly recommend that citizens check their passport validity before booking holidays or business travel and apply for the service which will ensure passports arrive in good time. The key points for citizens, are to:

check the validity of passports before booking a holiday,

to remind that children’s passports vary in length of validity

follow best practice and apply at least six weeks before the intended date of travel

choose the most appropriate application channel depending on the date of travel

if travelling in three weeks or more (15 working days) the Passport Express channel is the cheapest and most convenient option.

if travelling in three weeks or less an appointment for the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork should be made online at www.passportappointments.ie.

The Passport Service has experienced a 15% increase approximately in applications so far this year over 2015 and demand is expected to remain very high in the coming months.