Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

354. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current timeframes for the processing of passports and the delays currently being encountered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/16]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

357. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current average waiting time for the processing of passports, that is, for the processing of renewal applications, first passport applications, applications for replacements of lost, stolen or damaged passports, northern passport express applications or other types of passport applications; if there is a delay longer than the recommended guidelines and if so, the cause of delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14781/16]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 357 together.

It is important that prospective travellers who wish to apply for a passport apply in good time (I recommend six weeks as best practice) and use the correct channel to apply.

The websites of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Passport Office, along with An Post which administers Passport Express, provides advice to applicants on projected turnaround times. For example: applicants for renewal through Passport Express are advised of a projected turnaround time of 15 working days, while first time applicants are advised to allow for at least 20 working days due to the additional anti-fraud measures which may arise. Security issues can also arise where a passport has been reported lost, damaged or stolen.

The Passport Office endeavours to process passport applications as quickly as possible. This year, demand has been extremely high for a sustained period of months. This corresponds to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) data which indicates that the total number of overseas trips made by Irish residents during the period January to March 2016 increased by 13.1% over the same period last year. The trend is positive in economic terms and it points to a vibrant travel industry but it has resulted in pressures on the Passport Service due to the exceptional increase in the number of applications received.

To respond to the seasonal spike in demand and the more general increase in applications a total of 233 Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited so far this year. This is an increase of 62 officers on last year. Furthermore, processing work has been redistributed across passport offices and staff re-deployed from other areas of the Department as needed. The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff resources at all times.

As of 3 June correctly completed renewal applications submitted via Passport Express are being processed within 12/13 working days (applicants are advised to allow at least 15 working days) and first-time passport applications are taking 20/21 working days (applicants are advised to allow at least 20 working days).

Applications from outside the jurisdiction can take longer. Northern Ireland Passport Express renewal applications are processed within 21/22 working days and first-time Northern Ireland Passport Express applications are taking 23 working days.

Applicants travelling in three weeks or less should make an appointment to attend the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork in person. Appointments can be made online using www.passportappointments.ie.People with urgent travel within three days can use the Rapid Renewal Service at the Dublin Passport Office. Appointment slots for this service become available online from 12.30 pm the day before.

Updated turnaround times are notified on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at www.dfa.ie every Friday.

I recently circulated a comprehensive guidance note to Deputies and I would ask the Deputy to assist in informing members of the public about the need for citizens to check their passport validity before booking holidays or business travel and to apply at least six weeks in advance of travel to ensure that passports arrive in good time. Applicants with no immediate travel plans or who are travelling in three weeks or more should submit their application through the An Post Passport Express Service. The Passport Express channel is the cheapest and most convenient option for applicants and is available at post offices nationwide.

As previously advised, from 29 March this year first time adult applicants, as well as applicants who are replacing lost/stolen passports issued prior to 1 January 2005, are required to present their Public Services Card when submitting an application. Public Services Cards are issued on the basis of a face-to-face registration process at the offices of the Department of Social Protection.

Passport Services are a key priority for me and my Department and are kept under constant review.