Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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389. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports reported lost or stolen to the Passport Office in 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28399/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The numbers of passports reported lost or stolen to the Passport Service in 2019 and to date in 2020 are detailed in the following table.

The figures for this year are accurate as of 30 September 2020.

The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of security features within the book and the robust processes involved in its issuance.

Where an applicant has reported an passport lost or stolen, the Passport Service may request additional information and documentary evidence to establish and verify an applicant’s identity. Appropriate photographic identification is one of the requirements in cases in which a person seeks to replace a lost or stolen passport. This and other requirements are necessary to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and protect against fraud and identity theft. Where an applicant has lost/stolen two or more passports, the validity of their next passport may be restricted.