Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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138. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason it is taking so long to process applications for the foreign birth register; his views on a particular case (details supplied) which was lodged in May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38357/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation.

FBR, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate. FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of all required supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process. 

With regard to the specific FBR applications about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for the applications were received on the 12 February 2025, following a request by the Passport Service. These documents are currently being processed, and a member of the FBR team will be in contact with the applicant should further documentation be required.

The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.