Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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376. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if clarity will be provided to a person (details supplied) given the lengthy period of time which has passed since the initial passport was held; if a new passport application is required; if a passport renewal will suffice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3903/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In response to the move to Level 5 on the Government's National Framework for Living with COVID-19, the Passport Service is operating an emergency service at this time. Applicants can apply using Passport Online and processing will resume at Level 4.

In cases where an applicant's most recent passport has expired by more than five years, i.e. their last passport was issued more than 15 years ago, the new passport application will have the same documentary requirements as a first time application.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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377. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further consideration has been given to the abolishment of the current cost of a ten-year passport for a senior citizen in particular if the person can show they are of a low income, for example, for persons in receipt of the fuel allowance on their State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Passport Service does not provide a reduced fee to any category of adult applicant for a passport, whether for the renewal of a passport or for a first time application. A reduced fee is applied on applications for passports for minors in recognition of the fact that a minor’s passport is valid for only five years. Most adult passports will be issued for a period of ten years.

I am satisfied that, at a cost of €75 for an online renewal, which breaks down to €7.50 per year, the Irish passport fee compares favourably with the services offered elsewhere.

Given that any shortfall in revenue would have to be met by the taxpayer, a decision to waive or reduce the application fee for any category of applicant would require careful consideration. It is important to ensure that the major upgrades to the passport service technology platforms and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements which have taken place in recent years can be maintained and further developed.