Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

273. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the preparations being made for the seasonal increase in the volume of passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15126/17]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

274. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will employ extra staff in the Passport Office in view of the expected increase in the volume of passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15127/17]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together.

For a number of months now, we have experienced a rise in passport applications. This increased volume of applications is likely be sustained into the summer months and my Department has put in place a number of measures to mitigate the impact.

The Passport Office is working hard to address the rise in applications. 230 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) have been assigned to the Passport Service to assist with the processing of passport applications and to respond to customer queries via phone, email and social media. This is an increase of 59 officers over the number recruited in 2015. The majority of these TCOs are already in place and the remaining officers are expected to join in the coming weeks. My Department has also requested the Public Appointments Service to assign additional Clerical and Executive Officers to fill recent vacancies in the Passport Service.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Passport Service is engaged in a significant programme of reform which will result in greater efficiencies and convenience for applicants. The introduction of on-line enrolment option for passport applications is a key customer service initiative under the programme and I expect this new service to start rolling out shortly.

I will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff and other resources in order to minimise the impact of the exceptionally high demand on turnaround times for applicants and on customer service.

I would ask the Deputy to help to promote good practice in her communications with constituents. As a matter of best practice, applicants should allow six weeks for a passport applications. Applicants should check the validity of their passport before booking travel. If travel is already booked, applicants should consult the Passport Office website to ensure they use the correct channel for their application. The Passport Office offers a free renewal reminder email service to Passport holders and I urge passport holders to avail of this service. See www.dfa.ie for more information.