Cathal Crowe
Question:71. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Taoiseach if his Department maintains a register of companies based in Ireland that export to Germany. [29310/24]
View answerExport Controls
Questions (71)
Written answers
The Central Statistics Office publishes aggregate data on the number and type of enterprises who export goods to Germany. The CSO does not provide information on individual companies.
In 2022 there were 1,446 enterprises recorded as exporting goods to Germany.
Table A : Number of enterprises exporting goods to Germany by NACE sector.
|
Year |
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, Construction and Services, excluding Retail & Wholesale |
Industry |
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
Total number of enterprises |
|
2020 |
456 |
754 |
707 |
1,917 |
|
2021 |
200 |
665 |
502 |
1,367 |
|
2022 |
231 |
668 |
547 |
1,446 |
Table B : Number of enterprises exporting goods to Germany by number of employees.
|
Year |
Number of enterprises with < 10 employees |
Number of enterprises with 10 – 49 employees |
Number of enterprises with 50 – 249 employees |
Number of enterprises with 250 and over employees |
Total number of enterprises |
|
2020 |
906 |
546 |
342 |
123 |
1,917 |
|
2021 |
503 |
401 |
325 |
138 |
1,367 |
|
2022 |
565 |
411 |
339 |
131 |
1,446 |
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (72)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:72. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if his Department has ever used artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, in drafting Dáil speeches or responses to Parliamentary Questions. [29287/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of the Taoiseach has not used Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT for the drafting of Dáil speeches or in drafting responses to Parliamentary Questions.
Departmental Equipment
Questions (73)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:73. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of laptops or mobile phones owned by his Department that have been lost or stolen in each of the past ten years. [29305/24]
View answerWritten answers
9 mobile phones and one laptop have been either lost or stolen from staff in the past 10 years.
|
2015 |
1 x Mobile Phone |
|
2016 |
1 x Mobile Phone |
|
2017 |
1 x Mobile Phone |
|
2018 |
1 x Mobile Phone |
|
2019 |
2 x Mobile Phones |
|
2020 |
1 x Mobile Phone |
|
2022 |
1 x Mobile Phone; 1 x Laptop |
|
2024 |
1 x Mobile Phone |
Remote Working
Questions (74)
Richard Bruton
Question:74. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach his latest estimate of the extent of remote working, by county, being delivered from homes located therein; and how that compares with the total at work in the respective counties. [29508/24]
View answer
Awaiting reply from Department.
Departmental Communications
Questions (75)
Holly Cairns
Question:75. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach to provide the number and detail of the public helplines operated by his Department; whether calls are recorded on each helpline; and if not, whether he would consider recording calls for transparency and training purposes. [30002/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of the Taoiseach does not operate a public helpline.
Passport Services
Questions (76)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports which have been reported missing and stolen in each of the past 15 years, in tabular form. [29238/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 3rd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries. The loss or theft of passports and passport cards is taken very seriously by the Passport Service as it compromises the safety and security of citizen's personal data and can result in fraudulent activity. The Passport Service ensures that passports reported as lost or stolen are cancelled and notified to Interpol at the earliest opportunity. Once the passport is cancelled and notified to Interpol, it is no longer valid for travel. The numbers of passports reported as lost or stolen to the Passport Service in each of the past fifteen years, and to date in 2024, are detailed below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Lost |
Stolen |
|
2009 |
28,235 |
4,743 |
|
2010 |
25,808 |
4,353 |
|
2011 |
24,889 |
4,123 |
|
2012 |
24,814 |
4,051 |
|
2013 |
25,122 |
3,669 |
|
2014 |
24,153 |
3,453 |
|
2015 |
23,712 |
2,965 |
|
2016 |
25,599 |
2,995 |
|
2017 |
26,491 |
2,990 |
|
2018 |
26,377 |
2,830 |
|
2019 |
30,415 |
2,834 |
|
2020 |
12,037 |
970 |
|
2021 |
16,803 |
956 |
|
2022 |
34,096 |
2,208 |
|
2023 |
30,345 |
2,393 |
|
2024 |
16,758 |
1,278 |
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (77)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has ever used artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, in drafting Dáil speeches or responses to Parliamentary Questions.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29279/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is grounded in its Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Interim Policy. In line with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Policy states that GenAI systems (such as ChatGPT) should not be used to respond to correspondence such as Parliamentary Questions, or to draft Department or Government policy.
My Department is actively exploring the opportunities and policy considerations presented by AI, while at the same time, taking measures to safeguard security.
Departmental Equipment
Questions (78)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:78. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of laptops or mobile phones owned by his Department that have been lost or stolen in each of the past ten years. [29297/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's ICT Unit manages approximately 950 mobile phones and up to 2,700 laptop devices to support its operations at headquarters and abroad. There are strict procedures in place for the loss, theft and replacement of all devices. All devices are secured to mitigate the risks of compromise.
The following are the numbers of lost or stolen laptops and phones from the year 2014 to the present time.
|
Year |
Phone |
Laptop |
|
Lost/Stolen |
Lost/Stolen |
|
|
2014 |
10 |
2 |
|
2015 |
11 |
3 |
|
2016 |
4 |
1 |
|
2017 |
9 |
- |
|
2018 |
6 |
2 |
|
2019 |
7 |
2 |
|
2020 |
2 |
- |
|
2021 |
9 |
2 |
|
2022 |
11 |
2 |
|
2023 |
8 |
4 |
|
2024 |
4 |
1 |
Middle East
Questions (79)
Catherine Connolly
Question:79. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will offer international protection to a hospital in Gaza (details supplied) in order that it may continue to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29339/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has consistently called for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Under international humanitarian law, Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and ensure that the essential needs of the population are met.
We remain extremely concerned at the near collapse of the health system in Gaza, rapidly worsening malnutrition, and the increase in diseases among children in particular. Since the start of the conflict, 31 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed and other hospitals are operating under severe limitations. Since October 2023, the WHO has recorded 890 attacks on health facilities in the Occupied Territory, 443 in Gaza, and 447 in the West Bank.
We strongly condemn attacks on health infrastructure. Healthcare facilities like the field hospitals at Al Mawasi enjoy specific protections under international humanitarian law and must be allowed to operate efficiently and in safety. We continue to call for all parties to the conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law and for full, safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population.
The Government's response to the crisis in Gaza has included significant humanitarian funding and the provision of in-kind assistance. We have provided €40 million in humanitarian assistance since last October. This includes €20 million for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in February. UNRWA's work underpins all humanitarian operations in Gaza. Before the conflict, it provided up to 80% of health services in Gaza, and it continues to provide critical health services. Ireland has also provided direct funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Palestinian Red Crescent society, which plays a critical role in supporting field hospitals.
Under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, family tents and tarpaulins worth €550,000 have been distributed in Rafah. Ireland has also provided pallets of medical blood bags through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) in response to a request from the Egyptian health authorities.
We continue to urge Israel and Hamas to implement the three-phase ceasefire proposal outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council. It is vital that all parties work towards reviving a political process that can provide a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the two-State solution.
Departmental Data
Questions (80)
Catherine Murphy
Question:80. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of WTE civilian drivers attached to each embassy of Ireland as of 25 June 2024, in tabular form. [29392/24]
View answerWritten answers
The number of civilian drivers employed in Embassies of Ireland and in Missions of Ireland to the EU, UN and other international organisations as of 25th June 2024 is set out in the table that follows. The roles of many of the drivers employed in Ireland's diplomatic missions also include administration duties.
|
Location |
Type Of Mission |
Driver |
|
Abuja |
Embassy |
5 |
|
Abu Dhabi |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Addis Ababa |
Embassy |
5 |
|
Amman |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Ankara |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Athens |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Bangkok |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Beijing |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Berlin |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Berne |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Bogota |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Bratislava |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Brussels |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Brussels |
Permanent Representation to the European Union |
3 |
|
Bucharest |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Budapest |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Buenos Aires |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Cairo |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Canberra |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Copenhagen |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Dakar |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Dar Es Salaam |
Embassy |
4 |
|
Freetown |
Embassy |
4 |
|
Geneva |
Permanent Mission to the United Nations |
1 |
|
Hanoi |
Embassy |
3 |
|
Helsinki |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Holy See |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Jakarta |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Kampala |
Embassy |
4 |
|
Kuala Lumpur |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Kyiv |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Lilongwe |
Embassy |
3 |
|
Lisbon |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Ljubljana |
Embassy |
1 |
|
London |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Luxembourg |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Lusaka |
Embassy |
3 |
|
Madrid |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Manila |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Maputo |
Embassy |
5 |
|
Mexico |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Monrovia |
Embassy |
3 |
|
Moscow |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Nairobi |
Embassy |
2 |
|
New Delhi |
Embassy |
3 |
|
Nicosia |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Oslo |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Ottawa |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Paris |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Paris |
Permanent Representation to the OECD and UNESCO |
1 |
|
Prague |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Pretoria |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Rabat |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Riga |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Riyadh |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Rome |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Santiago de Chile |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Seoul |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Singapore |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Sofia |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Stockholm |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Strasbourg |
Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe |
1 |
|
Tehran |
Embassy |
2 |
|
Tel Aviv |
Embassy |
1 |
|
The Hague |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Tokyo |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Vienna |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Vienna |
Permanent Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) |
1 |
|
Vilnius |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Warsaw |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Wellington |
Embassy |
1 |
|
Zagreb |
Embassy |
1 |
Passport Services
Questions (81)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:81. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to siblings from County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29511/24]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for the applications were received on 25 June 2024. The turnaround time for first-time applications is 20 working days. These applications are within the standard turnaround time and have not yet reached their issue by date.
Passport Services
Questions (82)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:82. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the issuance of a passport to a person in County Galway (details supplied) will be expedited; the reason for the delay in issuing said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/24]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 1 July 2024. The turnaround time for first-time applications is 20 working days. This application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.
Ukraine War
Questions (83)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:83. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount of foreign aid that has been provided to date to Ukraine, disaggregated by the receiving institution, the specific purpose it was to be used for, and whether there are any checks or audits to determine whether it was used for the purposes for which it was provided, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29541/24]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the EU budget since the launch of the Russian full-scale invasion. Ireland makes extensive use of the multilateral system, and works with trusted partners on the ground to ensure a harmonised approach and enable the fast delivery of sustainable support.
Bilaterally, Ireland has committed over €345 million in support to Ukraine, comprising almost €95 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support, as well as commitments of approximately €250 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility (Ukraine Assistance Fund), of which €25 million has been drawn down to date.
Funding by the Department of Foreign Affairs for Ukraine, and in support of regional programmes to support Ukrainians in neighbouring countries since February 2022 includes:
|
Amount |
Institution |
|
€25,493,514.02 |
European Commission- Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (European Peace Facility) |
|
€29,000,000 |
World Bank |
|
€9,500,000 |
UNHCR - the Refugee Agency |
|
€9,000,000 |
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
|
€5,000,000 |
UN OCHA (Ukraine Humanitarian Fund) |
|
€5,000,000 |
International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) |
|
€4,000,000 |
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Small Business Impact Fund |
|
€3,500,000 |
UN Population Fund (UNFPA) |
|
€3,000,000 |
World Health Organisation (WHO) |
|
€2,000,000 |
World Food Programme (Grain from Ukraine) |
|
€2,000,000 |
International Monetary Fund (IMF) |
|
€1,000,000 |
UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) |
|
€1,000,000 |
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) Ukraine Solidarity Fund |
|
€1,000,000 |
Office of the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court |
|
€880,000 |
Goal |
|
€810,000 |
EUAM Ukraine |
|
€830,000 |
Trócaire |
|
€800,000 |
UNOHCHR |
|
€427,505 |
OSCE Programmes in Ukraine |
|
€500,000 |
Plan Ireland |
|
€500,000 |
Concern Worldwide |
|
€500,000 |
UN Peacebuilding Fund |
|
€500,000 |
UN Resident Coordinator |
|
€500,000 |
OECD Ukraine Country programme |
|
€300,000 |
Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine |
|
€290,000 |
Christian Aid Ireland |
|
€262,000 |
Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund |
|
€140,000 |
OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine |
|
€90,000 |
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) |
|
€62,580 |
Institute for Peace and Common Ground |
|
€50,000 |
European Institute for Peace |
|
€50,000 |
NATO Trust Fund |
|
€20,000 |
International Federation of Journalists |
|
€15,043 |
Bespoke micro projects |
|
€21,900 |
Chatham House (Intl Security Programme) |
|
€9,000 |
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons |
|
€47,617.70 |
Register of Damage |
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided approximately €820,000 via the Rapid Response Initiative. This brings to approximately €83 million the sum total to date of funding from Foreign Affairs (Votes 27 and 28) which forms part of a wider Government effort in support of Ukraine. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided an additional €7 million in support of programmes in Moldova. Other Government Departments have made contributions including in-kind and monetary supports to Ukraine, to the value of approximately €12 million. While Ireland’s funding to Ukraine remains primarily humanitarian in nature, Ireland has also contributed to ensuring macroeconomic stability, support for peacebuilding, support for social development and support to assist Ukraine in their ambitious reform programme to bring them in line with EU Acquis.
In 2024, Ireland has committed approximately €35 million to Ukraine and its neighbours. This will include continued humanitarian support, as well as funding as needed through the UN and other multilateral and IFI partners that are providing support for peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction for Ukraine and the neighbourhood.
The European Peace Facility (EPF) is managed under the authority and direction of a Facility Committee responsible for adopting the EPF annual and amending budgets. Ireland, like all other EU Member States, is represented on the EPF Committee. A College of Auditors is in charge of the external audit of revenue and expenditure as well as of the annual accounts of operations and assistance measures. The Auditors are appointed by the EPF Committee based on candidates proposed by the EU Member States. In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, Ireland’s contributions under the EPF are directed exclusively towards non-lethal assistance. Ireland’s contributions in respect of non-lethal support are non-fungible and therefore will only be used for this purpose.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has ongoing and regular engagement with all recipients of funding, who are required to provide regular updates and reports on the use and impact of funds received. Furthermore, senior officials from the Department travelled to Ukraine in June, to meet with key partners, monitor progress, and highlight Ireland’s commitment and priorities.
Election Monitoring Missions
Questions (84)
Paul Murphy
Question:84. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the scheduled upcoming international Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, and EU election missions in which Irish election observers are due to be nominated to participate; if there are any missions that Ireland will not participate in; the reasons for that; the proposed number of participants per mission; the criteria for the selection of observers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29699/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Roster was established on 1 January 2024 for a five-year period and has 173 members.
The Department nominates Roster members to participate in election observation missions in countries which are deemed eligible by the OECD to receive Official Development Assistance (ODA). OSCE missions take place in OSCE participating States and EU missions take place in countries in Africa, Latin America and occasionally Asia. The number of deployments depends upon the number of applications received and the selection decisions of the EU and OSCE.
The EU has selected one Long Term Observer and two Short Term Observers from Ireland to participate in the EU election observation mission to the Parliamentary Elections in Jordan on 10 September 2024. The Department will soon nominate Roster members to participate in EU election observation missions to the General Elections in Mozambique on 9 October 2024. Subject to receipt of an official invitation from the EU, the Department will also nominate Roster members to participate in the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka later this year.
Subject to receiving an official invitation from the OSCE, the Department will nominate Roster members to participate in the OSCE observation missions to the Presidential Elections in Moldova on 20 October 2024, Parliamentary Elections in Georgia on 26 October 2024 and Parliamentary Elections in Uzbekistan, at a date to be determined in October 2024.
Passport Services
Questions (85)
James Lawless
Question:85. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to expedite, where possible, the passport application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29707/24]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has inquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
Economic Sanctions
Questions (86)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:86. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the new package of EU sanctions for Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29777/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government remains deeply concerned about the situation in Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, widespread attacks on civilians, appalling gender-based violence, and attacks on humanitarian workers and infrastructure have displaced over 12 million people, including 2 million as refugees outside the country.
There have been repeated warnings from the UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide that the ‘risk factors for genocide and related crimes are present and increasing’.
The conditions of conflict and the deliberate blocking of humanitarian access by both the parties to the conflict are creating a humanitarian disaster. Last month, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that famine was imminent, with over 2 million people currently at severe risk.
In response to the crisis, Ireland has increased our support to Sudan. At the international conference on Sudan in Paris in April, I pledged €12.3 million in bilateral aid for 2024. This assistance is being delivered, and is in addition to our core funding to key partners in Sudan, such as the World Food Programme.
We are also supporting efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
In EU discussions and at the UN, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need to put civilians and civil society, rather than military factions, at the centre of any political solution in Sudan. In line with this, we are supporting partners to bolster the capacity of Sudanese civil society to work together to bring an end the conflict and design a return to democratic transition.
Last year, Ireland championed the establishment of a new EU autonomous sanctions regime for Sudan which targets those who undermine peace, obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance, or commit violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. In January, six companies affiliated with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were the subject of targeted asset freezes and travel restrictions. On 24 June, at the Foreign Affairs Council, the EU endorsed an additional package of measures against six individuals on both sides of the conflict, including those with particular responsibility for committing atrocities and financing the conflict.
The EU will continue to review its autonomous measures and take action against persons or entities fuelling the conflict.
Passport Services
Questions (87)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:87. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider putting a printing system in place in the Cork Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29778/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Passport Service has issued over 660,000 passports to date this year. 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. There are currently no backlogs and 95% of applicants apply through Passport Online which is now available to 99.9% of all applicants globally.
The Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This award-winning service has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing and has resulted in greater efficiencies for our citizens and for the Passport Service. Passport Online is a user-friendly, efficient service that is currently issuing the vast majority of adult renewal passports within 2 to 4 days.
The Passport Offices in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applications. The Cork office offers over 1,000 four day appointments per month. Throughout this year, an average of only 29% of appointments available in Cork were booked.
The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. However, this year only 0.7% of all passport applicants availed of this one-day service.
The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of purchasing and installing a new printer and mailing machine in Cork to be approximately €6 million. In addition to the capital investment, the annual cost of running and maintaining these machines in Cork is estimated to be €600,000 per year.
For these reasons, at the moment, a business case cannot be made to invest this level of funds to facilitate the very small proportion of applicants who wish to have their passport renewed within one day in Cork.
I am satisfied that the current Passport Online service and production capacity meets the needs of passport applicants. The Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance this essential citizen service.
Passport Services
Questions (88)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of four-day turnaround passport applications made through Cork Passport Office to date in 2024; the number of same-day turnaround passport applications made in the Dublin Passport Office, from the Munster region, to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29779/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Passport Service has issued over 660,000 passports to date this year. 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 strongly encourages Irish citizens to use the Passport Online service as the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to apply for a passport. The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to 99.9% of all applicants across the world.
In the event of sudden bereavement or serious illness of a family member abroad, the applicant should contact the Passport Office and advise them of the issue. Priority is given to these applications by the Passport Service. In the event that such an occurrence should happen out of office hours, the applicant should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01 408 2000 and request to speak to the Duty Officer. The Duty Officer will advise the applicant in full of the correct procedure. In cases of travel emergency, the Passport Service will require proof of the emergency.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service.
There are 264 four-day renewal appointments available in Dublin and 280 four-day renewal appointments available in Cork every week.
There are currently 220 one-day renewal appointments available in Dublin every week. So far this year just over 5000 citizens availed of this one-day service. Of these approximately 600 provided an address in the Munster region.
Renewal applicants who have already submitted a passport application either through Passport Online or Post Passport can book an urgent appointment and visit the Passport Office to apply for a passport. Once a passport has been issued, their original application will be cancelled and the fee will be refunded. Further information on the Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants is available at Ireland.ie/PassportAppointment. The number of four-day turnaround passport applications made through Cork and Dublin Passport Offices to date in 2024 and the number of same-day turnaround passport applications made in the Dublin Passport Office to date in 2024 are outlined before in tabular form.
|
Four-day Cork |
2,058 |
|
Four-day Dublin |
4,108 |
|
Same-day Dublin |
5,182 |
|
Total |
11,348 |