Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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413. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address concerns with regard to the passport express service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17734/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Passport Service aims to process passport renewal applications submitted through Passport Express within 15 working days of receipt, assuming that all documentation is in order. Applicants are advised that this is a target rather than a guarantee of service and that turnaround times will vary depending on factors such as seasonal demand.

As the Deputy will be aware, there has been a surge in passport applications in recent months. Between 1 January and 31 March over 250,000 applications were received, representing an increase of 26% over the same period last year. The average processing time for renewal applications submitted through the An Post Passport Express service is 16 working days, one day over the target 15 working day turnaround and this has been notified to An Post.

First-time applications and those for renewal of lost or stolen passports are subject to longer turnaround times due to the extra verification steps involved (current turnaround time is 24 working days). My Department keeps An Post apprised of changes to the advised turnaround times for each category of applicant and these are updated weekly on the Passport Service website. In all cases, applicants are strongly encouraged to allow at least six weeks for the processing of a passport and to submit their application through Passport Express only if they have no immediate travel plans i.e. if they are travelling in three weeks or more.

The new online passport application service for adult renewals will result in considerable efficiencies and will alleviate pressure on passport processing. This service offers a target turnaround of ten working days (two weeks), plus postage. It is convenient and secure and I would urge the Deputy to encourage eligible applicants to use this channel via the Department’s website at www.dfa.ie.

I would also ask the Deputy to promote the Passport Service’s free email reminder facility, which alerts a passport holder when his or her passport is coming due for renewal. The service can be accessed at: www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/top-passport-questions/when-should-i-apply-for-a-new-passport/.