Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
247. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service maintains internal management dashboards, weekly operational reports or KPI monitoring systems relating to first-time passport application processing times; and if so, the metrics monitored, the frequency of reporting, the recipients of such reports, and whether she will provide copies or summaries of same. [39229/26]
View answer248. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service records the number of first-time passport applications exceeding the advertised turnaround target in real time; and if so, the number currently exceeding 20 working days, 40 working days and 60 working days respectively. [39230/26]
View answer249. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service records the longest processing time for a first-time passport application in each year since 2020; and if so, to provide details. [39231/26]
View answer254. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any analysis has been carried out regarding the proportion of first-time passport application delays attributable to incomplete applications, witness verification issues, citizenship verification issues, documentation deficiencies or internal processing delays; and if so, to provide details of the findings. [39236/26]
View answer258. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service records the percentage of first-time passport applications requiring escalation beyond standard workflow processes; and if so, to provide annual figures for each year since 2020. [39240/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 247, 248, 249, 254 and 258 together.
The Passport Service is successfully responding to demand, and has issued over 400,000 passports to date this year.
Fully complete, domestic first-time applications are currently being processed within 16 working days, which is within the advertised turnaround time of 20 working days.
It is important to note if supporting documents are required for an application, such as a first time application or a child's 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 continually works to enhance the service and support customers in submitting a correct application. A number of improvements have been made to the Passport Online platform over the past three years, including a bespoke list of the supporting documents required for passport applicants. When using Passport Online, the information provided by applicants is used to generate a custom coversheet that will provide the applicant with a bespoke list, in plain English, of the documents that they must submit as part of their application.
The Passport Service also 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/.
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 cases where further supporting documents are required from the applicant, every effort is made to let the applicant know as soon as possible. The Passport Service operates 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. Online applications for which additional photos are requested, are processed within 10 working days of the receipt of the new photo.
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 837 staff, which represents 97% of the approved staffing target for this year.
The Passport Service monitors the processing times of first-time passport applications, and of all application types, along with levels of demand on a daily basis. The processing times of all application types are reported to senior management on a weekly basis.
In the time allowed, it has not been possible to collate all of the information requested by the Deputy. My Department will follow up with a response with the additional data requested in the coming days.
As we approach the busy summer holiday season, I strongly urge anyone who is considering travelling overseas this year, particularly families with young children, to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to apply online for their passports in plenty of time.
