Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026

Written Answers Nos. 274-291

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (274)

Aidan Farrelly

Ceist:

274. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of requests she and her officials received in each year from 2019 to date in 2026 from Teachtaí Dála agus Seanadóirí to expedite the processing of a passport application; the number of officials assigned to the Oireachtas telephone representation service ahead of spring summer 2026; if she will detail the policy that is in place for the expedition of passport applications; and if she has considered developing an enhanced public information campaign in respect of the passport application process and to include clearer guidance in respect of the processes and timelines for first time applicants and foreign births. [12392/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Passport Service is successfully meeting demand for passports this year and virtually all passports are being issued on or, in many cases, well before their target issue by date.

The Passport Service receives requests for applications to be expedited through a number of channels, including PQs, reps, the Oireachtas line, and the Customer Service Hub. The specific data requested by the Deputy is not available as such requests through multiple channels are not tracked by the Passport Service.

The Passport Service operates a general policy whereby applications can be expedited in cases of genuine emergency, such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad. Such applications are expedited through the Travel Emergency service.

With regard to the Deputy’s query about the resourcing of the Oireachtas Telephone Service, there are currently four officers assigned to the Oireachtas line. It should be noted that cases raised on this line cannot be expedited unless they meet the Travel Emergency criteria.

The Passport Service takes every opportunity to remind citizens to check their passport validity. Each year the Passport Service proactively plans for the demand forecasted for the year ahead. Part of this planning involves an extensive public communications campaign to encourage citizens to apply, through Passport Online, in plenty of time for their passport prior to travel.

This year's campaign focused on driving awareness amongst citizens, particularly parents of newborns and young children, that Passport Online was the fastest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for their passport. In recent years, the successful campaign in December and January has been highly effective in motivating citizens to apply in the early part of the year, well ahead of the busy summer travel season.

Comprehensive information on how to apply for a passport or Foreign Birth Registration is available on my Department’s website, which is updated regularly. Turnaround times for processing different types of application is also available on the department’s website - [www.ireland.ie/passports].

The Passport Service continually works to enhance the service and provide efficiencies for customers. A number of improvements were made to the passport online platform over the past three years, including a bespoke list of the supporting documents required for first-time applicants. When using Passport Online, the information provided by first time 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.

Applicants with specific queries can contact the Passport Service Customer Service Hub for guidance and support at [phone], or via the webchat service: www.ireland.ie/contactpassportservice/

I ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply online for their passports and well ahead of their travel dates. Passport Online offers 100% of Irish citizens worldwide the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 256.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (276)

Erin McGreehan

Ceist:

276. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of all organisations and projects that received matched and/or partner funding from his/her Department in 2023, 2024 and 2025; the amount of funding allocated to each organisation or project; what was achieved and the stated outcomes from the funding provided in each case; the plans her Department has for the provision of matched and partner funding in 2026 and 2027 including the way such funding aligns with her Department’s philanthropy policy and objectives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12409/26]

Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 270.

Question No. 278 answered with Question No. 270.

Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 249.

Deportation Orders

Ceisteanna (280)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

280. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings she had or actions she took during her recent two day visit to the United States from 4 to 6 February 2026 to address the status of Irish citizens either detained by ICE or scheduled for deportation; if she sought any meetings with US officials on these matters; who those officials were; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12507/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

During my visit to Washington D.C. earlier this month, I undertook a range of political, economic and community engagements aimed at further strengthening Ireland's close relationship with the United States.

In my engagements with Members of Congress, we discussed U.S. immigration policy and its impact on Irish communities. We also discussed the prospects for immigration reform which could assist, inter alia, the undocumented Irish.

Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the U.S. continue to be important for the Government. However, the challenges in advancing such proposals should not be underestimated.

The provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens who get into difficulty abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. My officials, including in our Embassy in D.C. and in our Consulates across the U.S., place a strong emphasis on ensuring Irish citizens receive timely and empathetic consular assistance. This work is led by DFAT officials in the US, including our Ambassador and Consuls General, who engage with U.S. immigration and homeland security authorities on an ongoing basis.

Where a citizen does request consular assistance, whether that is in the United States of America or elsewhere, my officials provide all possible assistance in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. Further information on the type of assistance my Department can provide in deportation cases and other cases categories can be found at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/.

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (281)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

281. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has spoken to the family of a person (details supplied); if she has sought to speak to them directly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12508/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I can confirm that officials in my Department, including in the Consulate General in Austin and Embassy in Washington D.C., are providing ongoing consular assistance in this case. The Embassy in Washington has engaged directly with the Department of Homeland Security at a high level in relation to this case.

Since October 2025, the Consulate General of Ireland in Austin has provided ongoing support and consular assistance to this citizen in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin, the Embassy in Washington D.C and Consular officials in Dublin remain in direct contact with the citizen, his lawyer and his family. I can further confirm that staff in the Consulate General in Austin have conducted a welfare visit to this individual. My officials will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide appropriate support.

Consular assistance is provided at the request of the citizen who have an expectation and entitlement to privacy in relation to their cases. For this reason, details of consular cases and engagement on same are not shared with anyone other than the designated point of contact or next of kin, or Departmental consular officials as appropriate.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor developments in this case and my officials will provide appropriate support to the citizen and their family when required.

Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 249.

Deportation Orders

Ceisteanna (283)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

283. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the financial supports provided to Irish citizens listed for deportation from the United States; the amount spent to repatriate and support Irish people scheduled for deportation in each year from 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12510/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department provides consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of our Consular Assistance Charter. The Charter sets out in a clear and accessible manner the type of assistance citizens can expect to receive should they require assistance. The provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. I place a strong emphasis on ensuring that citizens receive empathetic, timely and appropriate assistance at all times. In accordance with the Charter, my Department does not offer financial supports to Irish citizens, including those listed for deportation from the United States.

The assistance my Department provides on a deportation, like with any other case, will depend on the individual circumstances of that case. Assistance can include, for example, facilitating communication between the citizen and their family, engaging with the relevant local authorities, providing a list of lawyers, or sharing information on the deportation process with family members. This is not an exhaustive list and each case is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States, and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the US continues to be important for the Government.

Our diplomatic network across the US works closely with a number of partner organisations and immigration centres supporting Irish immigrants to the US and provides consular assistance, for example, to those affected by deportations.

These organisations are provided with support under the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. Last year, the Government provided over €4.5 million to Irish organisations in the United States, including for the provision of immigration advice, in the form of trusted information, legal resources and support for those seeking to regularise their immigration status.

I want to reassure the Deputy that my officials stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens who get into difficulty abroad.

Departmental Projects

Ceisteanna (284, 285)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

284. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to her Department's St Brigid's Day 2026 social media advert, if she will provide a detailed explanation of the commissioning, approval, and oversight process that led to its publication; the identity of the person, team, or external company that proposed the concept; the officials who approved the creative direction; the senior official who issued final sign off; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12675/26]

Michael Collins

Ceist:

285. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to her Department's St Brigid's Day 2026, in light of significant public concern regarding the advert's perceived ideological framing and the use of St Brigid's image in a manner many citizens view as disrespectful to Ireland's Christian heritage; if her Department intends to withdraw the advert and issue a public apology; and if not, if she will state clearly whether her Department stands over the advert in its current form and considers it appropriate for an official State communication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12676/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.

My Department has managed international programming and messaging related to St. Brigid’s Day on an annual basis since 2017, with a special focus on celebrating the achievements of Irish women internationally. This year, 65 Irish Embassies and Consulates are marking St Brigid’s Day, representing the broadest diplomatic support to date for this uniquely Irish celebration. Events organised by DFAT Missions globally for St. Brigid’s Day are often held in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms to communicate public awareness campaigns, to promote essential services to citizens and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. Our social media and online platforms are also utilised, in conjunction with Team Ireland partners, to promote Ireland as a place to trade, invest, visit and study. This approach towards content on social media aligns to the approach of other Foreign Ministries in communicating key messages to international audiences. Over the last number of years, multimedia digital content campaigns have included multilingual content in up to 23 languages and have amassed tens of millions of views, resulting also in traffic to key Government of Ireland platforms, including Ireland.ie.

The video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign, highlighting the achievements of Irish women internationally, was produced under a live contract held by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Provision of Digital Content Production Services. This contract commenced in March 2025 following a public procurement competition advertised on eTenders (Ireland’s National Tendering Website) and in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in late 2024, and conducted in accordance with the open procedure under the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 (Statutory Instrument 284 of 2016). Three tenderers submitted a bid to supply the service and these were evaluated in line with the guidance provided by the Office of Government Procurement.

My Department's video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign was finalised at the end of January, was subsequently issued in 19 languages globally and produced a range of feedback on different platforms online and in correspondence. The Department's digital campaign also included material which issued on the social media channels of my Department which highlighted the role of St Brigid of Kildare as a key figure in the history of Christianity in Ireland. As in all such instances, feedback received on the campaign, including constructively critical feedback, will help to inform future digital campaigns and opportunities to deliver key messages about Ireland to international audiences.

My Department has been pleased to profile the outstanding contributions of Irish religious internationally in its communications more generally. As part of the Department's 2025 St Patrick's Day social media campaign, the vital humanitarian work of Fr. Shay Cullen in the Philippines was highlighted in both the video and associated communications. In addition, my Department has profiled the work of Irish religious sisters on Ireland.ie, the international platform for the Government of Ireland, which has included articles detailing the work of Sr. Teresa McKeon in Sierra Leone, Sr. Louise Horgan in Thailand and Sr. Orla Tracey in South Sudan, among others. Our Departmental communications will continue to feature the very significant international contributions of Irish religious in its global communications over the years ahead.

My Department is also proud to support the work of Irish missionaries though Misean Cara, which we helped establish in 2004 as the link between Irish missionary organisations and Ireland's Official Development Assistance programme. In 2023, my Department renewed a four year partnership with Misean Cara, and committed to providing annual funding of €15.5 million in support of its members' vital work globally on education, health, climate resilient agriculture and human rights.

Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 284.

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (286, 287)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

286. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a copy of all communications between her Department and the representatives and family members of a person (details supplied) further to their detention by immigration officials in the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12703/26]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

287. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide all copy correspondence of all communications including email, letter and telephone conversations and exchanges between him and all US departmental agencies concerned with respect to the incarceration and release of a person (details supplied) by US Immigration police in an ICE facility in US; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12704/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides Consular Assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of our Consular Assistance Charter. The Charter sets out in a clear and accessible manner the type of assistance citizens can expect to receive should they require assistance. The provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of the Department.

When a citizen contacts the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Consular Assistance, they do so with the understanding that we will not release information about their situation, even to their family, without their explicit consent. The trust between a citizen and the Department is extremely important and is treated in a strictly confidential manner.

Under GDPR the Department is not at liberty to disclose any correspondence received to a third party. We are committed to safeguarding all information in full compliance with Ireland’s Data Protection Acts.

I would like to assure the Deputy that officials in my Department, including in the Consulate General in Austin and Embassy in Washington D.C., are aware of this case and are providing ongoing consular assistance.

Question No. 287 answered with Question No. 286.

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (288)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

288. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the increasing attention by her and her Department on the ongoing detention of a person (details supplied); the high-level engagement she personally has had or has instructed her officials to have with senior elected officials in the US House of Representatives; if she will release copy correspondence regarding any and all such interactions and meetings; the details of when and how such meetings or interactions took place and the responses were received to these overtures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12705/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As set out in the programme for government, advancing the case of undocumented Irish citizens in the U.S. is a priority issue for this Government, and one that I take very seriously.

At the beginning of February, I travelled to Washington D.C. and met with elected officials in Congress. During these engagements, I raised the general issue of immigration. I was pleased to meet with the bipartisan Friends of Ireland Caucus, which presented a valuable opportunity for deepening US-Ireland relations, and advocating for Irish interests, including the undocumented, on a cross-party basis.

In relation to the given case, officers in my Department are actively engaging, via the appropriate channels, and in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. Our Consulate General in Austin, Texas is providing consular assistance to the citizen involved and his family, and our Embassy in Washington DC is engaging directly with U.S. authorities at a senior level.

Departmental Inquiries

Ceisteanna (289)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

289. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the recent public statements (details supplied) that the Government is not doing enough to engage with and build rapport with 'senior Republican elected representatives in the United States' as reported on radio; if a response will issue to these comments by outlining the political outreach she has personally initiated or that she or her other party colleagues have engaged in that would refute the public comments made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12706/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government, through our Embassy in Washington D.C. and our network of Consulates across the United States, has strong and ongoing engagement with a wide network of elected representatives and the U.S. Administration. This includes many senior Republican Senators, Representatives, Governors and state and local officials.

At the beginning of February, I travelled to Washington D.C. and met with a significant number of elected officials in Congress, from both sides of the political aisle. I was pleased to meet with the bipartisan Friends of Ireland Caucus which presented a valuable opportunity for deepening US-Ireland relations, and advocating for Irish interests, on a cross-party basis. This included raising the issue of immigration and the undocumented Irish. As set out in the Programme for Government, advancing the case of undocumented Irish citizens in the U.S. is an important issue and one that I take very seriously.

During the visit, I also met with senior members of the U.S. Administration, including US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Deputy National Security Advisor Andy Baker.

My visit was one of four Ministerial visits to the US so far in 2026. Next month the Taoiseach, as well as seven Ministers and the Ceann Comhairle will undertake St Patrick’s Day programmes in the U.S. The Taoiseach's programme will, as always, include engagement at the most senior level of the Administration and of Congress.

[]Furthermore, last month I announced that I would reinforce Team Ireland in the U.S., by adding new staff to our Embassy in Washington DC and our Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, New York and Atlanta. Our enhanced diplomatic presence across the U.S. will ensure that we are best placed to influence, anticipate and respond to initiatives of the U.S. Administration

Deportation Orders

Ceisteanna (290)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

290. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic measures she has taken to support those in the US affected by ICE deportation agents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12798/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Providing consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.

This of course includes Irish citizens seeking consular assistance in the United States, including when detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other authorities, and where citizens are facing deportation from the U.S.

In all cases of consular assistance, assistance is provided at the request of the citizen. It involves consular officials in our Embassy and/or Consulates in the United States, who engage extensively with local, State level and and national authorities in respect of the particular circumstances of each individual case. Our engagement is based on DFAT's Consular Charter .

We also engage at political level on the policy issues affecting Irish citizens. I recently visited Washington D.C. where I undertook engagements with Members of Congress and representatives of the Administration. Among the issues I discussed was immigration. Addressing the situation faced by the undocumented Irish and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the US continues to be important for the Government.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (291)

Pádraig Rice

Ceist:

291. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12848/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the passport has issued to the applicant.

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 processing time for a first time passport application 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.

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.

Passport applicants can track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website: [https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/tracking/]

The tracker provides an indication of how an application is progressing through the system and gives an estimated issue date based on the current average application processing time. As the website notes, the issue date of a passport is a Target Issue Date and not a guaranteed date of delivery.

The Passport Service advises citizens not to book travel until they receive their passport. I encourage everyone to apply online through Passport Online, which offers 100% of citizens the ability to apply for their passport 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Written Answers Nos. 254-273
• Written Answers Nos. 292-316