Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
26. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current average processing times for passport applications, particularly for first-time applicants; the extent of any recent delays being experienced; the measures being implemented to improve turnaround times and ensure applications are processed within target timelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38310/26]
View answerThe Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued almost 400,000 passports to date in 2026.
The advertised passport processing times for applications are:
Online simple adult renewal - 10 working days
Online child/complex adult renewal - 15 working days
Online first time, adult or child - 20 working days
Passport Assist - 6 weeks
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 and the Passport Service has increased resources to meet this level of demand.
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.
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.
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.
Should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
