Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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457. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if documents will be returned urgently to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53293/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has been in direct contact with the applicant's parent and is facilitating the return of documents as requested.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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458. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to an ongoing problem with the Passport Office online photo download application; and the steps being taken to fix this problem. [53324/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Passport Online service offers a user-friendly, efficient and secure system through which citizens can apply for a passport. Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world. Passport Online is the quickest and easiest way for citizens to renew their passport and 45% of simple online adult renewals issue within one business day.

A recent technical issue which caused a very temporary issue with the online service was quickly identified and resolved within 24 hours. The Customer Service Hub at the Passport Service engaged with a number of customers who were affected. The Passport Service regrets any inconvenience caused to applicants.

In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad.