Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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332. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of upgrading information technology systems and-or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode; if the use of Eircode is mandatory in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8633/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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One of the key areas where the Eircode address database benefits the work of my Department is the Passport Service which has upgraded its processes to allow for the capture and use of Eircodes. Since 2015, modified passport application forms have been introduced which include an Eircode field in the address section.

The Department continues to review systems to assess how we can support the implementation of Eircode and how we can maximise its benefits in our communications with our passport service customers and to accurately identify delivery addresses.

Where appropriate, Eircodes are included on official Department stationery and incorporated into the contact details of each office on our websites.

The cost of upgrading of the automated passport system to incorporate the use of Eircode is €17,527.50.