Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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121. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a policy issue raised by an Irish citizen living abroad relating to archaic list of professions allowed to witness Irish passports (details supplied); if he shares the view that both the list of professionals is archaic and particularly burdensome for Irish citizens living abroad and such professionals in foreign jurisdictions; if he agrees that allowing Irish embassy staff to witness passport applications would be more appropriate; his plans, if any, to review the list and process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62446/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The witnessing of relevant passport application forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person presenting to submit the passport application form. In the case of children's applications, it also ensures that the consent of guardians is verified. Since 2017, an adult applicant renewing their passport through the Online channel is not required to have a form witnessed

My Department has an extensive list of eligible witnesses for passport application forms for citizens who are resident outside of Ireland. The current list of witnesses extends to over 18 different categories. This list is available on my Department's website at www.dfa.ie/passports/how-to-get-your-application-witnessed/.

The list of approved witnesses was prepared to provide generic categories that could be found not only in this State but also in other countries around the world. There is a need to have a generic or broad list of individuals from groups throughout the world who are clearly identifiable. It is not a requirement for the witness to know the applicant, but to be satisfied as to his or her identity.

In the context described above, there are no plans to carry out a review of the list of approved witnesses at this time.