Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
73. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to Tipperary residents in 2025; the number to date in 2026; the average processing time for each application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8345/26]
View answerThe Passport Service issued 933,121 passport books and cards in 2025. The number of passports issued to applicants residing County Tipperary in 2025 was 18,104.
To date in 2026, there have been 612 passports issued to applicants residing in County Tipperary.
The Passport Service's forecasts estimate that 870,000 passport applications will be submitted in 2026. Based on the overall forecast figure and last year's applications from Tipperary, the Passport Service estimates that during 2026 there will be approximately 17,000 passport applications from residents of County Tipperary.
Currently, the Passport Service employs a total of 819 staff. The Department engages in comprehensive workforce planning and workload management processes, based on forecasted demand for passports. Due to the Department’s vigilant monitoring of customer demand and proactive management of resources, the Passport Service is in an excellent position to meet forecasted demand for 2026.
The Passport Service takes every opportunity to remind citizens to check their passport validity. Each year the Passport Service rolls out an extensive public communications campaign to encourage citizens to apply through Passport Online in plenty of time before travel.
I ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way. Currently, 96% of applicants use the Passport Online channel. Passport Online allows citizens to apply for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to 100% of all applicants worldwide.
For citizens who need to renew their passport urgently, the Passport Service offers an Urgent Appointment service at the public offices in Dublin and Cork. Citizens can renew their passport within one day or four days in Dublin or within four days at the Cork Passport Office.
