Passport Services

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Questions (76)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

76. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine an issue regarding the issuing of an Irish passport (details supplied) under a name legally changed by deed poll, and where evidence of usage does not meet the criteria set out in sections 10(3) and 10(4) of the Passports Act 2008 (and amendments), but where the applicant is relying on section 10(5) of the Act, which deals with the factual assumption of a person not having such evidence, and is requesting that the Minister exercises his power under section 10(5) and issues the applicant’s Irish passport under their new name with an observation noting their former birth name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44480/24]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act“). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.

Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on a person's birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person's birth certificate is permitted under the Act in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc., where civil or legal documents are available to verify this change.

In cases where a name change arises, other than by marriage or civil partnership etc., the Passport Service requires evidence in respect of the constant and sustained use of the new name and identity over a two year period. Evidence of this, for at least two years, through documentation such as photo ID, bills, bank statements, or official correspondence in the new name is required.

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the application and contacted the applicant directly.