James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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168. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that passport forms do not note that in cases of passports out of date for more than five years the person must hold a public services card; his plans to include reference to this requirement on passport forms in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15018/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The passport application form is distributed with accompanying notes which provide an overview for the main categories of passport application, a section by section guide on how to complete the application form and contact details for the Passport Service.

The Passport Service processes passport applications from many different categories of applicant, through a range of different channels, for Irish citizens at home and abroad. Documentary requirements for any given category of applicant can vary considerably. As such, the passport application form and accompanying notes are not intended to be exhaustive guides.

It is noted on the front of the application form that a more detailed step-by-step guide to all sections of the form is available online at the Passport Service's website www.dfa.ie/passport. This website is regularly updated and offers comprehensive guidelines for all categories of passport applications, useful passport tips and current turnaround times. In addition, the website allows applicants to track the progress of their application using their 11 digit application number. Applicants may also use the site’s webchat service to contact customer service directly about any application query they may have.

Applicants residing in Ireland who require further information on their own category of application and who do not have access to or do not wish to use the available online resources may contact the Passport Service’s dedicated customer service line on 01 671 1633.

The Passport Service regularly reviews the information that it provides in its forms, leaflets and publications and welcomes feedback from the public on these information materials.