Michael Cahill
Question:244. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to examine and expedite a passport application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39116/26]
View answerPassport Services
Questions (244)
Written answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service is actively reviewing the application and it will be approved as soon as all necessary checks are complete.
Passport Services
Questions (245)
Michael Cahill
Question:245. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently examine passport applications (details supplied) [39117/26]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these applications are within the turnaround time and have not yet reached their issue by date.
Passport Services
Questions (246)
Michael Cahill
Question:246. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to examine and expedite passport applications for a family (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39119/26]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passports to the applicants.
Passport Services
Questions (247, 248, 249, 254, 258)
Ken O'Flynn
Question: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 answerKen O'Flynn
Question:248. 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 answerKen O'Flynn
Question:249. 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 answerKen O'Flynn
Question:254. 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 answerKen O'Flynn
Question:258. 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 answerWritten answers
I 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.
Question No. 248 answered with Question No. 247.
Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 247.
Passport Services
Questions (250)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:250. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service centrally categorises customer complaints by issue type including delays, communication failures, lost documentation, delayed document returns or application handling errors; and if so, to provide annual figures by category for each year since 2020. [39232/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 400,000 passports to date in 2026.
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 submit a complaint through the portal at: ppscomplaints.dfa.ie/complaints-welcome/ or in writing to: Passport Complaints, Knockmaun House, 42-47, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 TN83.
Since the launch of the portal, the Passport Service has maintained records of complaints broken down by the following categories: cancellation issue; customer service issue; delay in processing; inaccurate information; loss/damage of documents; payment issue; refund issue; other issues.
|
YEAR |
Cancellation issue |
Customer service issue |
Delay in processing |
Inaccurate information |
Loss/Damage of documents |
Payment issue |
Refund issue |
Other issues |
TOTAL |
|
Aug - Dec 2023 |
16 |
29 |
72 |
19 |
26 |
1 |
3 |
104 |
270 |
|
2024 |
189 |
566 |
2,410 |
486 |
465 |
42 |
173 |
90 |
4,421 |
|
2025 |
231 |
448 |
1,559 |
489 |
431 |
20 |
117 |
16 |
3,311 |
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/.
Passport Services
Questions (251, 252, 253)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:251. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any internal audit, operational review, governance assessment or risk review has examined delayed return, loss or misplacement of supporting documentation submitted with passport applications since 2020; and if so, to provide the dates, findings and recommendations of each review. [39233/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:252. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any service-level targets exist internally for the return of supporting documentation submitted with passport applications; the compliance rates achieved in each of the past five years; and the number of cases exceeding those targets in each year. [39234/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:253. 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 separately from general customer correspondence; and if so, to provide annual figures for each year since 2020. [39235/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251, 252 and 253 together.
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 does not record compliance rates on the return of supporting documents within this timeframe.
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.
With regard to the Deputy's query on the number of requests for urgent return of supporting documentation, please see the annual figures for each year since 2020 in tabular form below.
|
Year |
Number of requests for return of supporting documents |
|
2020 |
3,926 |
|
2021 |
9,433 |
|
2022 |
10,088 |
|
2023 |
11,858 |
|
2024 |
18,263 |
|
2025 |
18,508 |
Since 2024, the Passport Service has recorded information on lost or misplaced supporting documents that resulted in data breaches. Please see information in tabular form below.
|
Year |
Passports issued |
Internal data breaches involving supporting documents |
Internal data breaches involving supporting documents as a % of passports issued |
|
2024 |
1,061,629 |
72 |
0.006% |
|
2025 |
933,121 |
59 |
0.006% |
The Passport Service continuously reviews its internal processes, with a focus on further reducing risk and enhancing data security.
Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 251.
Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 251.
Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 247.
Passport Services
Questions (255, 256, 257)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:255. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Passport Service applies any additional identity verification requirements for newly naturalised Irish citizens beyond automated verification of naturalisation certificates with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; and if so, the rationale and legal basis for such additional requirements. [39237/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:256. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any review has examined opportunities to reduce duplication between citizenship verification processes undertaken during naturalisation and those undertaken during subsequent first-time passport applications; and if so, to provide details of recommendations made or actions taken. [39238/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:257. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any formal data-sharing or digital integration project is underway between the Passport Service and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration aimed at streamlining verification processes for first-time passport applications; and if so, the current status and projected implementation timeline. [39239/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 256 and 257 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.
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.
The Passport Service has a data sharing arrangement in place to allow for the verification of naturalisation certificates issued by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and continues to work closely with the Department of Justice on citizenship and other issues of mutual relevance.
Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 255.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 255.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 247.
Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 237.
Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 237.
Departmental Staff
Questions (261)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:261. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of WTE staff, by grade currently working in the Passport Service as of 15 May 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39381/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Passport Service in my Department provides a secure, accessible and timely passport service to our citizens. The Service regularly issues close to 1 million passports annually, within expected turnaround times.
In addition to meeting the high demand for passports and Foreign Birth Registrations, the Passport Service also continues to invest in ongoing reform and digitisation projects.
The number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff working in the Passport Service as of 15 May 2026 is detailed by grade in tabular from below. Those staff work in offices in Balbriggan, Cork and Dublin city centre.
|
Grade |
FTE |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal & Equivalent |
11 |
|
Administrative Officer & Equivalent |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
35.99 |
|
Executive Officer |
114.85 |
|
Clerical Officer & Equivalent |
647.29 |
|
Total |
813.13 |
Departmental Communications
Questions (262)
Ann Graves
Question:262. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has contacted the new Scottish First Minister recently. [39391/26]
View answerWritten answers
In my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I last met with First Minister John Swinney in the margins of British-Irish Council Summit in Wales on 5 December 2025. The month before, my colleague Minister of State Neale Richmond launched the Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework alongside First Minister Swinney in Dublin on 26 November 2025.
John Swinney was re-elected and sworn in as First Minister on 20 May and I have written to congratulate him. I look forward to speaking to him soon, and to continuing and growing the close partnership between our governments.
Ireland and Scotland are longstanding, likeminded partners and neighbours. We are joined together by our shared history, culture, people, and a mutually beneficial trade relationship. Our partnership is framed by the Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030, a strategic, action-oriented agreement that guides the political, economic, and cultural relationship between our governments until the end of the decade.