Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

644. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the foreign births register will reopen; the length of time it will take to clear the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30503/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

660. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the processing of foreign births will resume given the easing of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30971/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

661. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the criteria for urgent applications to the foreign births register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30972/21]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 660 and 661 together.

The processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications has been temporarily paused as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions.

Prior to COVID-19 it took twelve to eighteen months to process applications. This was due to the complex nature of FBR applications and the very high volume of applications due to Brexit.

The Passport Service will resume processing FBR applications as soon as the COVID Passport backlog is fully cleared. In relation to exceptional urgency the applicant may contact the Passport Office directly.