Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
145. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to previous replies, to provide the average and median processing times for first-time passport applications in each of the past three years, disaggregated where possible by application type; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33624/26]
View answer146. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department maintains any internal service-level benchmarks or maximum acceptable timeframes for the completion of first-time passport applications; and if so, to provide details of same and any compliance data. [33625/26]
View answer147. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to previous replies, whether any analysis has been undertaken to identify the causes of delays in first-time passport applications, including documentation verification processes; and if so, to provide details of the findings. [33626/26]
View answer148. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any formal protocol exists governing the return of original documentation to passport applicants, including requirements for explanation or notification; and if so, to outline that protocol. [33627/26]
View answer151. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any complaints analysis has been conducted in relation to first-time passport applications, including complaints relating to delays, communication, or document handling; and if so, to provide a summary of findings. [33631/26]
View answer152. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has assessed the risk that delays in issuing first-time passports may impact the rights of citizens to travel or access services; and if so, to provide details of any mitigation measures. [33632/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 146, 147, 148, 151 and 152 together.
The turnaround time for first time online passport applications as advertised on the Passport Service website is 20 working days. This turnaround time applies to fully complete and correct applications, and begins from the date that supporting documents are received by the Passport Service, not the date the online application is made. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete will take longer to process.
Average turnaround times for first time passport applications were 19 days in 2023, 20 days in 2024 and 16 days in 2025.
First-time applications are the most complex to process as they are, in essence, a verification of Irish citizenship. As such, a rigorous process is in place to validate the identity of applicants and to confirm their citizenship status.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. 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 fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 185 countries.
My Department takes every opportunity to remind citizens to check their passport validity. Each year the Department's Communications Unit, in partnership with the Passport Service, conducts an extensive public communications campaign to encourage citizens to apply through Passport Online in plenty of time before travel.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Passport Service has public education materials, including video tutorials and detailed instructions on the application process, available online: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/. These materials are regularly communicated to citizens via social media channels.
Additionally, should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Customer Service Hub can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/.
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. Further information on the Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants is available at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment/.
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.
My Department engages in comprehensive workforce planning and workload management processes, based on forecasted demand for passports. Due to my Department’s vigilant monitoring of passport applications and proactive management of resources, the Passport Service is in an excellent position to meet forecasted demand for 2026.
The Passport Service currently employs a total of 833 staff, which represents 97% of the approved staffing target for this year.
The Passport Service continually reviews demand and offers overtime, on a voluntary basis, to staff when necessary to meet demand, avoid delays and prevent backlogs.
As outlined on the cover sheet that applicants receive with their new passport, where original documents have been submitted to the Passport Service in support of an application, the Passport Service will return these documents separately to the new passport, within 15 working days after the passport application is processed.
The Passport Service has a system in place whereby applicants who require their supporting documents to be returned urgently can request this. In such a case, the applicant can receive their documents back in advance of their new passport being issued.
The Passport Service has a formal complaints procedure that provides customers an opportunity to give feedback on the quality of the service they receive. The Passport Service is committed to providing a high quality, effective service to all of our customers and welcomes feedback on how the service can be improved.
Customers can submit a complaint in writing to: Passport Complaints, Knockmaun House, 42-47, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 TN83, or online: https://ppscomplaints.dfa.ie/complaints-welcome/.
The Passport Service aims to resolve complaints as promptly as possible. Each complaint is examined upon receipt and acknowledged. The complaint will then be investigated and a response issued in writing. The number of complaints relating to first time applicants received in 2025 made up just 0.26% of all passports issued in that year.
Further details of the Passport Service complaints procedure can be found on my Department's website – www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/ppo-complaints-appeals/.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply or their passports through Passport Online. In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time. The Passport Service advises citizens to ensure their passports are valid before booking holidays and travel.
