Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an up-to-date progress report on the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33469/26]
View answerIn June 2025, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill.
The main purpose of the Bill is to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
Legally, the regulation of external trade in services is considerably more complex than is the case with goods at EU level. There would also be greater complexity when it comes to implementation than is the case with regard to trade in goods.
The Government has received the Attorney General’s advice on the question of whether the inclusion of services in the Bill is permissible under EU law. Advice provided by the Attorney General to the Government is confidential and subject to legal professional privilege, so you will appreciate that I cannot be drawn to discuss or speculate on the contents of the advice. However, I can say that the advice, which is detailed and extensive, identifies a number of significant legal and practical issues with the regulation by a Member State of trade in services with a country or territory outside the EU.
Following detailed consideration by officials in my Department, clarification was sought from the Attorney General on a number of legal issues. My Department has now received this clarification and officials are closely examining it.
Any legislation must be legally robust, able to withstand challenge and progress the Government's broader policy agenda.
Work is advancing across a number of strands at official level as well as engagement at EU level.
It remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at EU level and we continue to pursue this.
143. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of Ireland's response to the latest attacks on the global Sumud Flotilla, which currently has a number of Irish citizens onboard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33561/26]
View answer156. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps her Department is taking to ensure the safety of Irish citizens on the Global Sumud flotilla who have been intercepted by the state of Israel in international water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33764/26]
View answer158. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action she has taken in relation to the seizing of seven Irish citizens that were part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33836/26]
View answer159. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further action she will take in relation to the seizing of seven Irish citizens that were part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33838/26]
View answer160. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will raise the seizing of seven Irish citizens that were part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla (details supplied) at an EU Council level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33840/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 156, 158, 159 and 160 together.
I am aware of an operation that took place on Wednesday 29 April in waters close to Greece. This resulted in the interception of several ships participating in the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, and the detention of seven Irish citizens.
As I am sure you are aware, I condemned the interception of vessels in international waters, and called on the Israeli authorities to release all Irish citizens detained, and to uphold their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and welfare of all those on board the Flotilla.
I can confirm that all seven Irish citizens were released in Greece and, after a short bus journey, were received by officials from our Embassy to Greece, as well as our Honorary Consul, who provided consular assistance. This included the offer of food, water, support arranging accommodation, and access to the means to contact their loved ones at home, who had been concerned for their wellbeing.
Throughout this period, my Department, including our Embassies in Athens and Tel Aviv, liaised with the relevant authorities. Consular officers in Dublin were also assigned to maintain direct and continuous contact with the families of those detained, in order to provide them with regular updates as the situation evolved.
I am aware that there are a number of Irish citizens still aboard the Gaza Sumud Flotilla. While my Department continues to advise against all travel to both Israel and Palestine, their safety and wellbeing is my primary concern.
I have instructed officials from across my Department, including those at relevant Embassies in the region, to continue closely monitoring the situation.
144. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Louth in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33623/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not had any capital projects in Louth over the past five years.
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.
149. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any audit or review has examined duplication between documentation submitted during the naturalisation process and that subsequently required for passport applications; and if so, to provide details and conclusions. [33629/26]
View answer150. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any cross-departmental data-sharing arrangements exist between the naturalisation process and the Passport Service to reduce duplication in identity verification; and if not, whether such arrangements are under consideration. [33630/26]
View answer153. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any process reform or administrative changes are planned to streamline first-time passport applications for newly naturalised citizens; and if so, to provide details and timelines. [33633/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 150 and 153 together.
All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passport Act 2008 ("the 2008 Act"), as amended. The 2008 Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person. The Act further provides that the Passport Service must be satisfied as to the identity of the person before a passport is issued to them.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 ("the 1956 Act"), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation. The 1956 Act is under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The Passport Service works closely with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on citizenship and other issues of mutual relevance and has a data sharing arrangement in place to allow for the verification of naturalisation certificates issued by the Department of Justice.
Passport Service staff attend Naturalisation ceremonies to provide newly naturalised citizens with advice on how to apply for their first Irish passports.
When processing a first time passport application, the Passport Service must validate the identity of the applicant and confirm their entitlement to Irish citizenship. It is the responsibility of the Passport Service to protect the integrity of the Irish passport process. As such, a rigorous process is in place to validate the identity of applicants and to confirm their citizenship status. Part of this process is the verification of original documentation.
The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of security features within the book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport currently ranks fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 185 countries.
The Passport Service continuously reviews its processes to identify opportunities to improve customer experience and streamline application procedures, including for newly naturalised citizens. In that context, the Service engages as appropriate, with relevant stakeholders across Government Departments to consider how processes may be aligned.
154. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review an application and escalate same (details supplied). [33646/26]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 ("the Act"). Under Section 14(1) of the Act, the consent of a child's guardian(s) must be given before the Passport Service can issue them a passport.
In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the rights of the child and their guardian(s), it is important that the Child Identity and Consent form is correctly completed, witness and validated by the Passport Service. Guardians must be present to the person acting as a witness.
The processing time for a first time passport application is 20 working days. Turnaround time applies to applications that are fully complete and correct, and begins from the date that supporting documents are received by the Passport Service. The turnaround time does not begin from the date the online application is made. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete will take longer to process.
Since 2022, the Passport Service has operated a document management system whereby incomplete applications that require further supporting documents are prioritised once the additional documents are received by the Passport Service. These applications are then processed within 15 working days.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received by the Passport Service on 27/03/2026. Additional supporting documents were requested by the Passport Service on 28/04/2026 and received by the Passport Service on 30/04/2026. Therefore, this application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply online, well in advance of their travel date, for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
155. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department or any bodies and agencies under her aegis use software and or products from a company (details supplied); and the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [33721/26]
View answerMy Department has no contractual arrangements with the company mentioned. There are no bodies or agencies under my aegis.
157. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33819/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not completed any capital projects in Dublin over the past five years.
161. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in the Wicklow Wexford constituency in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33932/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not had any capital projects in Wicklow or Wexford over the past five years.
