David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the rationale for the random selection of passport applications for spot checks following consideration by a checker; when this procedure was introduced; the number of such selections that have been made; the outcomes to date; if he will ensure that decisions are not delayed as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39315/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The integrity of the Irish passport is the foremost priority of the Passport Service. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked third in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries.

The spot check function is a monitoring and assessment tool to ensure quality of work, in addition to entitlement officers’ adherence to the Passport Service's policies and processes. Spot check enables the Passport Service to identify potential issues and put in place mitigating measures such as additional training for staff as appropriate.

The spot check function has been embedded in passport processing from as early as the 1990s, and it is a key tool in protecting the integrity of the Irish passport and assuring the quality of the work of processing teams. Accordingly, the Passport Service is not in a position to share the rate of spot checks undertaken and the outcomes of same. However, the Passport Service aims to meet the advertised target turnaround time for all application types and spot checks are as far as possible carried out within that time frame.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review a passport application (details supplied); if he can provide an update on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39344/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to examine the request for a passport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39346/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (the Act). The Act provides that a person must, among other things, be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him or her. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is, in turn, subject to the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended.

Prior to 29 November 2005, spouses of Irish citizens had the option of completing a post-nuptial declaration in order to be recognised as Irish citizens. The Passport Service will accept a valid post-nuptial declaration (i.e. dated on or before 29 November 2005) as evidence of citizenship.

Since 30 November 2005, spouses of Irish citizens without any other claim to Irish citizenship (such as, for example, citizenship by descent) may apply for naturalisation if they wish to establish Irish citizenship. Naturalisation comes under the jurisdiction of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service within the Department of Justice.

In this particular case, if the individual concerned cannot provide evidence of Irish citizenship, the Passport Service will not be in a position to approve any passport application made by them. It is open to the person to make enquiries with regard to their eligibility for Irish citizenship to the Department of Justice.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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61. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if all possible assistance will be provided by the Irish embassy to the family of a person (details supplied) seriously injured in an accident, including facilitating accommodation in order that the family can be close to the hospital. [39427/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that officials in my Department and the relevant Irish Embassy are aware of this case and are providing consular assistance to the citizen and their family. I understand that a dedicated case officer has been assigned and that they remain in ongoing contact with the family at this very difficult time.

I further understand that officials in the Irish Embassy have provided the family with information and guidance to assist them locally while they remain in the country, including in relation to securing suitable accommodation in close proximity to the hospital.

Please be assured that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family within the remit of the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter.