Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of first-time paper passport applications received in 2024; the number for which additional documentation was not sought; the average number of working days processing in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41055/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To date this year, the Passport Service has issued over 900,000 passports. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times, with the majority of adult online renewal applications issuing within two working days.

The Passport Service has received 71,329 paper applications up to 9th October 2024, including 24,762 first-time applications. 61.5% of these first time applications were approved without any additional engagement with the applicant as they were fully complete and correct when they were submitted.

The turnaround time for Passport Applications by Paper is 40 working days, if all is in order. If an application is rejected due to missing documentation or issues with the photo, it is Passport Service policy to process the application within 15 working days from when the missing documentation is received. In cases where further supporting documents are required from the applicant, every effort is made to let the applicant know as soon as possible.

The Passport Service remains committed to offering a range of application channels, including a paper-based service for citizens who are not eligible or do not wish to use the Passport Online service. Paper applications, by their nature, will always be a slower process.

I encourage everyone to apply through the Passport Online service, which offers citizens the ability to apply for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times over four times faster than paper-based passport adult renewal applications. The online service is now available to 99.9% of all applicants around the world, including babies, children and first time applicants.

I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply online, well in advance of their travel date, for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.