Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider streamlining the process by which a married person going through separation or divorce reverts to their maiden name on their passport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21213/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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All passport applications are subject to the requirements of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (the 2008 Act).

In accordance with Section 10(3) of the 2008 Act, if an applicant for a passport applies to have a passport issued in a name other than the name entered in their most recent passport, the Minister shall require the applicant to produce such evidence as appears to him or her to be satisfactory of the use by the applicant of the new name before a passport may be issued to the applicant in that name.

In the case of an applicant whose previous passport was issued in their married name, but who wants their new passport issued in their birth surname, they are required to submit a judicial separation court order, separation agreement, or divorce decree as part of the supporting documents for their application. Two years proof of usage is not required for such applications.

However, if a separation or divorce document cannot be produced, the applicant can submit two years proof of usage of the name they now wish to have on their new passport.

With regard to the specific applicant to which the Deputy refers, the Passport Service has contacted the Deputy's office to obtain contact details for the applicant.