Written answers

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Passport Applications Data

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Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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326. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passport applications processed by the passport office in January 2017; if there is an increase or decrease on January 2016 applications; the number of these applications received from Irish citizens based in the UK, Northern Ireland and the United States of America, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8387/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The number of passport applications and percentage changes, as requested, is listed in the following table:

-January 2016January 2017Percentage change (+/-)
Applications Total53,17468,75929%
Northern Ireland3,9736,84172%
Great Britain3,5256,00670%
United States1,0251,41438%
The significant increase in passport applications in 2016 and to date this year is due to a number of factors. While my Department does not compile information on why citizens apply for passports, it is reasonable to assume, based on the trends in applications from Northern Ireland and Great Britain that the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership has led to an increase in demand. Other factors include an increase in outbound travel and demographic changes. It is also clear that citizens are renewing their passports earlier in the year.

My Department continues to closely monitor the level of passport demand to ensure that all resources, including staffing, are effectively deployed.

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