Written Answers Nos. 154-174
154. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department or any bodies and agencies under its aegis use, or have in the past used, software and or products from a company (details supplied); the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [35866/26]
View answerMy Department has no contractual arrangements with the company mentioned. There are no bodies or agencies under my aegis.
155. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current average processing times for passports applications; if these times are being met in practise and if there are any delays or backlogs currently affecting the Passport Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35907/26]
View answerThe Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 375,000 passports to date in 2026.
In December 2025, the Passport Service launched a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens who do not wish to use Passport Online channel and assist them to make a paper passport application. The percentage of applicants using Passport Online has increased from 93% in 2025 to 96% to date in 2026.
The current advertised passport processing times are:
Online simple adult renewal application - 10 working days
Online child/complex adult renewal application - 15 working days
Online first time application, adult or child - 20 working days
Passport Assist application - 6 weeks
It is important to note that if supporting documents are required for an application, such as a child's application or a first time application, turnaround times begin when these documents are received by the Passport Service. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete and require additional input from the applicant, will take longer to process.
The Passport Service is well within advertised turnaround times for domestic applications. There has been an increase in demand for first time applications from international applicants, however these applications account for just 5.3% of all applications received so far this year.
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 here: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment/
In the event of sudden bereavement or serious illness of a family member abroad, an applicant can contact the Passport Office and advise them of the issue. Priority is given to these applications by the Passport Service.
In addition, 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/
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.
158. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 6 May 2026, for an update on negotiations; if tariffs are to be introduced; the rate and the date (details supplied); if tariffs will be backdated; if imports will be affected; if there will be 'countervailing duties'; in addition for any further update she has on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35947/26]
View answerThis matter relates to the European Commission’s anti-dumping investigation into Chinese imports of new pneumatic tyres for passenger cars and light lorries, which began in May 2025. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been in ongoing engagement with domestic industry stakeholders and importers, as well as the European Commission in relation to the investigation.
This investigation is still in progress, with 18 June being the latest date that the Commission can publish the imposition of definitive measures in the Official Journal of the European Union. No provisional measures have been imposed during this investigation.
Interested Parties were provided with the General Disclosure Document in April 2026. In this document, the Commission outlined the essential facts of the investigation and provided an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the investigation in advance of issuing a final disclosure document at the definitive measures stage, which will take all these comments into consideration. This final document will contain the definitive anti-dumping duty rates, and final confirmation as to whether duties will be retroactively applied.
Any additional duties, such as countervailing (anti-subsidy) duties, would require a separate investigation.
Measures will normally be imposed for a period of five years with the possibility to request a review of the measures one year after imposition, at the earliest.
159. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to a project awarded funding under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund (details supplied); the mechanisms in place to support groups in securing a home for their project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35948/26]
View answer160. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will facilitate a meeting with a group awarded funding under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund (details supplied), specifically in relation to finding a suitable place to locate their project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35949/26]
View answer161. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is any flexibility or extensions regarding the timeframe for drawdown available to groups awarded funding under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35950/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 to 161, inclusive, together.
Since its launch in 2023, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund (SICSF) has provided over €5 million supporting 171 projects across the island of Ireland to encourage practical North-South cooperation and engagement. The Fund is now in its second, three-year cycle, which will run until 2027, with an annual budget of €2 million.
In relation to the specific project highlighted, in December 2025 a grant of €40,755 was awarded to the All Island World War 1 Relatives Group for the construction of a memorial sculpture. In the Letter of Offer from my Department, it was stated that the grant was being awarded on the basis of the organisation securing a permanent location for the sculpture, and that no sculpture should be commissioned until such time as a the location had been secured. The letter also stated that should a location not be secured in the 12 months of the 2025 grant round, the grant funding will be returned to the DFAT. DFAT itself has no role in securing a site.
My Department will continue to engage with the All Island World War 1 Relatives Group and will ensure that funding is disbursed promptly, if and when a site is identified by the Group.
162. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service records the median processing time for first-time passport applications; and if so, to provide the median processing time in each of the past five years, disaggregated by online and paper applications. [36094/26]
View answer163. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service records the percentage of first-time passport applications completed within the advertised 20 working day turnaround target; and if so, to provide the annual compliance rate for each of the past five years. [36095/26]
View answer164. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of first-time passport applications in each of the past five years which exceeded 20 working days for processing; the number exceeding 40 working days; and the longest recorded processing time in each year. [36096/26]
View answer165. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any internal review has examined the causes of delays in first-time passport applications arising from documentation verification, witness verification, or citizenship validation processes; and if so, to provide a summary of findings and recommendations. [36097/26]
View answer166. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service maintains any internal escalation protocol for first-time passport applications delayed beyond standard turnaround times; and if so, to provide details. [36098/26]
View answer167. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service records the number of requests for urgent return of supporting documentation from applicants; and if so, to provide annual figures for the past five years. [36099/26]
View answer168. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of complaints received by the Passport Service in each of the past five years relating to delays, lost documentation, communication failures, or document return issues in respect of first-time passport applications. [36100/26]
View answer169. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any service improvement targets have been set for reducing turnaround times for first-time passport applications in 2026 and 2027; and if so, to provide details. [36101/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 169, inclusive, together.
The Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 375,000 passports to date in 2026. The percentage of applicants using Passport Online has increased from 93% in 2025 to 96% to date in 2026.
The current advertised passport processing times for first time applications through Passport Online is 20 working days. This is a significant decrease in processing time from 2022, when turnaround time for first time applications was 40 working days. The Passport Service aims to meet its advertised turnaround time annually and is currently processing domestic first time applications well within turnaround times.
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.
It is important to note that the turnaround time begins when the required supporting documents are received by the Passport Service. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete and require additional input from the applicant, will take longer to process. Applications that exceed advertised turnaround times are escalated for processing within the system.
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 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 834 staff, which represents 97% of the approved staffing target for this year.
The Passport Service continually reviews its internal processes along with levels of demand on a daily basis and offers overtime 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.
The Customer Complaints portal launched in 2023, following engagement with the Ombudsman bringing the Passport Service into line with the Department’s Statement of Strategy and Digital Transformation Strategy, as well as the broader Digital First elements of the Civil Service Renewal Plan.
Customers can also submit a complaint in writing to: Passport Complaints, Knockmaun House, 42-47, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 TN83, or online: 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.
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/
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/
In the time allowed, it has not been possible to collate all of the information requested by the Deputy. I will follow up with a response with the additional data requested in the coming days.
170. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the existing data-sharing arrangement between the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Passport Service allows for automated verification of naturalisation certificates; and if not, whether further digital integration is planned. [36102/26]
View answer171. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any assessment has been undertaken regarding duplication of identity verification requirements between the naturalisation process and subsequent first-time passport applications for newly naturalised citizens; and if so, to provide details of the findings. [36103/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 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 automated verification of naturalisation certificates issued by the Department of Justice.
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 for all applicants.
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.
172. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a copy of the recent correspondence issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to her Department referred to in media reports (details supplied); if she will provide details of the percentage reduction(s) in spending in her Department referenced in the correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36406/26]
View answerA copy of that referenced correspondence will be sent to the Deputy, as requested.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade understands that the levy in question is to be applied to the gross current budget for the two Votes managed by this Departments (Votes 27 and 28) based on 2026 allocations with a decrease of 1.37% overall being sought. It is intended that this be applied to the 2027 budget allocation.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation has requested that my Department revert to them with proposals as to where this levy will be allocated by 17 July 2026. My Department is currently reviewing this matter.
173. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a breakdown of spending on advertising that was funded or overseen by her Department, and bodies under its aegis, in each of the past five years, including a breakdown by medium, that is, radio, television and social media, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36490/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses public awareness campaigns and advertising to promote essential services to citizens at home and abroad, such as passport and consular services, and to promote Irish interests and values internationally.
In recent years, public awareness campaigns in relation to passports, COVID-19 travel restrictions and Brexit have formed a significant part of advertising costs. Successfully communicating Ireland’s values and interests to global audiences, including through a range of online and social media channels, is integral to implementing our foreign policy objectives as set out in the Programme for Government and the Department’s Statement of Strategy.
The Department’s expenditure on advertising campaigns between 2021 and 2025 is outlined below in Table 1.
|
Year |
Main campaigns (objectives and platforms) |
Expenditure |
|
2021 |
St Brigid’s Day – To celebrate internationally the achievements of Irish women. Platform: Digital. St Patrick’s Day - To promote Ireland around the world as a location to invest, visit, study and do business. Platform: Digital. Get Ireland Brexit Ready – To raise awareness around the Government’s Brexit preparedness plans and urging people and businesses to be Brexit ready. Platforms: TV, Radio, Digital, National and regional press ads, social media. Passports – To promote awareness of the Online Passport Service for Irish adults and children. Platforms: Social media, print, broadcast media and outdoor advertising. Consular Covid-19 Campaign – To raise awareness of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Platforms: Press, digital, radio. Bloomsday – To highlight the positive impact of James Joyce and his writing around the world. Platforms: Digital. Samhain – To promote Ireland as the home of Halloween. Platform: Digital. Global Irish Diaspora “To be Irish” – To recognise and celebrate those of Irish descent worldwide. Platform: Digital. |
1,464,673 |
|
2022 |
St Patrick’s Day - To promote Ireland around the world as a location to invest, visit, study and do business. Platform: Digital. Passports – To educate the Irish public about the passport application process and provide reassurance to citizens that we are continuing to work, despite Covid-19 restrictions. Platforms: Print and Digital. Ireland at Expo Dubai- To promote Ireland’s participation at World Expo in Dubai. Platform: Digital. Consular - To reduce the number of consular incidents impacting Irish people overseas. Platforms: Press, digital, radio. Bloomsday – To highlight the positive impact of James Joyce and his writing around the world. Platform: Digital. Europe Day – To celebrate Ireland’s membership of the European Union. Platform: Digital. Samhain – To promote Ireland as the home of Halloween. Platform: Digital. |
725,747 |
|
2023 |
Passports - To encourage citizens to check their passports before booking travel. St Patrick’s Day - To promote Ireland around the world as a location to invest, visit, study and do business. Platforms: Digital. Consular - To reduce the number of consular incidents impacting Irish people overseas. Platforms: Digital, display and audio. Rugby World Cup - Build awareness of passport and consular issues among Irish fans travelling to France. Platforms: Digital. Brexit (Exporter) - To inform Irish exporters of new UK Border Target Operating Model import controls. Platforms: National Press, Regional Press and Radio and Social Media Campaign on Facebook/ Twitter/ LinkedIn. Launch of Ireland.ie - Promotion of new whole-of-government Digital Ireland House website. Platforms: Digital. EU Jobs - To generate awareness and encourage third level students and graduates in Ireland to apply for jobs in the EU. Platforms: Digital. |
586,308 |
|
2024 |
Passports - To encourage citizens to check their passports before booking travel. Platforms: Radio, Press and Digital. St Patrick’s Day - To promote Ireland around the world as a location to invest, visit, study and do business. Platform: Digital. Consular - To reduce the number of consular incidents impacting Irish people overseas. Platforms: Digital, display and audio. Olympics and Paralympics - To engage the Irish diaspora and highlight Irish values to international and French audiences. Platforms: Digital. Ireland at Expo - To promote Ireland’s participation at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Platform: Digital. Ireland/US 100 years – To mark the hundred-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States. Platform: Digital. UN High-level week – To promote Ireland’s presence and participation at UN High-level week. Platform: Digital. Irish Aid annual report – To increase awareness of the 2023 Irish Aid Annual Report. Platform: Digital. EU Jobs - To generate awareness and encourage third level students and graduates in Ireland to apply for jobs in the EU. Platform: Digital. |
462,677 |
|
2025 |
Passports (‘Don’t Be That Person’) - To encourage citizens to check their passports before booking travel. Platforms: Digital. St Brigid’s Day – To celebrate internationally the achievements of Irish women. Platform: Digital. St Patrick’s Day - To promote Ireland around the world as a location to invest, visit, study and do business. Platform: Digital. Consular (‘Make the Right Memories’ and ‘Travel Wise’) - To reduce the number of consular incidents impacting Irish people overseas. Platforms: Digital, display and audio. Marriage Equality Anniversary – To highlight the 10 year anniversary of Ireland as the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. Platform: Digital. Bloomsday and Beyond – To promote Ireland as ‘The Island of Writers’ to a global audience in conjunction with Bloomsday. Platform: Digital. EU Jobs - To generate awareness and encourage third level students and graduates in Ireland to apply for jobs in the EU. Platform: Digital. UN High-level week – To promote Ireland’s presence and participation at UN High-level week. Platform: Digital. |
597,361 |
174. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to innovations in the solar industry with the emergence of plug-in solar kits; and, if so, whether he or his Department has a view on whether there is a requirement to have any certification to meet any standards that may be required by Safe Electric; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35846/26]
View answerPlug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules and less than 1 kW in total per installation, which are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into a normal household socket. This then feeds the house’s internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or outdoor spaces. The use of plug-in mini solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills. It has seen particular growth in Germany, where 700,000 systems have been registered, although it is believed that the majority of systems in use there remain unregistered. As Minister, I am supportive of any technology which can reduce costs for households and consumers and increase the share of renewables in our system, provided that it can be integrated safely.
Officials from my Department engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the 2024 Electricity Market Design Directive, including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems, through a consultation that ran from September to October 2024. Responses to the option to promote the use of plug-in mini solar technology urged caution, highlighting that a current lack of regulation of these systems could lead to safety risk such as electrical faults or fires in the event of a malfunction. As a result, it is important that the introduction of the technology is given appropriate consideration. It was also noted that without a registration process in place, the Distribution System Operator would have no visibility on where these systems would be in use and the impact they would have on the grid
I have requested that the work to consider plug-in solar be expedited by relevant parties, including ESB Networks, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Safe Electric. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK, relating to the recently announced intention by the UK Government to regulate for the sale and use of plug-in mini solar systems. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered.
