Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason online renewals of passports have been stopped during level 5 Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12024/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Passport Service has paused processing of routine applications while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas.

While Passport Online is an online application service it does require staff to attend the office to process the required supporting documentation and to approve applications. Passport Service staff do not have access to private, personal data when working outside of our secure offices and so cannot process passport applications remotely.

The Passport Service continues to provide an emergency and urgent service. The emergency service is available for those who are required to travel due to the death or serious illness of a family member or because the applicant requires emergency medical treatment. The urgent service also assist citizens who are resident abroad who require a valid passport for visa purposes or citizens who require a renewal for work purposes. The Passport Service continues to process all renewals for work-related travel where evidence is provided.

The Passport Service continues to operate its Customer Service Hub by WebChat to facilitate customer queries. Irish citizens who are resident overseas should make contact through the local Irish Embassy or Consulate General or WebChat.