Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to restore the free passport scheme for persons over 66 years of age that was discontinued as a cost saving measure in 2011 in view of improved public finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16589/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The cost of the standard ten year adult Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At a cost of €80, which breaks down to €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €8.70 per year for a British passport, €8.60 per year for a French passport, €8.90 per year for renewal of an American passport and €17.70 per year for an Australian passport. Given that the production cost of a passport is the same, irrespective of validity, and given that any shortfall in revenue or additional costs would have to be met by the taxpayer, I do not have any plans at this time to waive or reduce the application fee charged to older applicants.