Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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77. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will give consideration to opening a passport office in the North. [66735/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that is available to 100% of applicants across the world. Over 93% of all passport applications are now made through Passport Online.

More than half of all simple adult online renewals issue within two working days, meaning that for many, the online renewal service is faster than the four-day urgent appointment service offered at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. It is worth noting that only approximately 1% of all passports issue through the public counter in Dublin.

Demand for passports from citizens resident in Northern Ireland remains steady. This year to date, 12% of all applications have come from residents of Northern Ireland, with 91.3% of these applying through Passport Online.

On 1 December, the Passport Service is launching a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens who do not wish to use Passport Online channel and assist them to make a paper passport application. Citizens can call the dedicated Passport Assist number +353 (0)1 613 1795 to receive a personalised paper form, along with a bespoke list of documents required, which they can post back to the Passport Service through their local post office. This all-island service will enhance the paper application route by offering direct assistance to citizens.

In terms of any proposed additional passport office, there are considerable financial implications to consider. The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of opening an office in Northern Ireland, including purchasing and installing new printer and mailing machine, to be approximately €5.3 million. In addition, operational costs including staffing for up to 100 staff is estimated to be approximately €6.8 million per annum.

In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, as well as the significant cost involved, the Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for establishing an additional passport office on the island of Ireland.

The Passport Service will continue to consider ways it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live.