Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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400. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the passport service is not meeting timelines with the passport express service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16591/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Passport Service aims to process passport renewal applications within 15 working days of receipt, assuming that the documentation is in order. The public is advised that the turnaround time will vary depending on factors such as seasonal demand. Turnaround times for each category of applicant are updated weekly on the Passport Service website.

As the Deputy will be aware, there has been a surge in passport applications in recent months. There are currently over 70,000 applications in the system and application numbers so far this year are over 20% higher than for the same period last year. The average processing time for renewal applications submitted through the An Post Passport Express service is currently 16 working days (one day over the target 15 working day turnaround).

With respect to the specific case that the Deputy refers to, the application was received on 24 March and I am satisfied that the estimated issue date is in line with the notified turnaround timelines for Passport Express.

As a matter of best practice my Department advises customers to apply at least six weeks prior to travelling and to submit their application through Passport Express only if they have no immediate travel plans. There are a limited number of appointments available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork for those travelling in three weeks or less. These appointments can be made online.

The Passport Service has put in place a number of measures to manage the high volume of applications, including the recruitment of 230 Temporary Clerical Officers. The majority of these officers are now in place.

The new online passport application service for adult renewals which was launched last week will result in considerable efficiencies and should further assist in alleviating pressure on passport processing. The service offers a target turnaround of ten working days (plus postage). It is convenient and secure and I ask the Deputy to encourage eligible applicants to use this channel.

To ensure timely applications I would also urge the Deputy to assist in promoting the free email reminder service for passport holders whose passports are due for renewal. The service can be found at: www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/top-passport-questions/when-should-i-apply-for-a-new-passport/.

John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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401. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will allocate more resources and staff to the passport offices to assist in the timely processing of passport applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16630/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, there has been a surge in passport applications in recent months. There are currently over 70,000 applications in the system. Between 1 January and 31 March over 250,000 applications were received, representing an increase of 26% over the same period last year. The current processing time for adult renewal applications is 16 working days (just one day over the target turnaround time of 15 working days). Some categories, such as first-time applicants and those reporting their passports lost or stolen have taken longer, due to extra security checks.

The exceptional volume of applications is likely be sustained into the summer months and my Department has worked hard to put in place a number of measures, including additional staffing resources, to mitigate the impact.

A total 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 great 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.

The new Online Passport Application Service for adults renewing their passport which I launched last week will assist greatly in managing increased volumes of applications in the months and years ahead and in meeting target turnaround times. The service allows citizens to renew their passport books and cards online twenty four hours a day from wherever they are in the world. It removes the requirement to have a form witnessed and is a fast, secure and convenient way to renew a passport.

I have circulated a note to all Deputies on the new online service and I would appreciate assistance in raising awareness among constituents. I would also ask the Deputy to continue to help promote good practice in her communications with constituents. As a matter of best practice and to avoid unnecessary stress, applicants should allow six weeks for a passport application. 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.

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.