Niamh Smyth
Ceist:242. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review an application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceisteanna (242)
Freagraí scríofa
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 ("the Act"). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and practices that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.
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.
In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the rights of the child and their guardian(s), it is important that the Child Identity and Consent form is correctly completed, witnessed and validated by the Passport Service. Guardians must be present to the person acting as a witness.
The processing time for a first time passport application is 20 working days. Turnaround time applies to applications that are fully complete and correct, and begins from the date that supporting documents are received by the Passport Service. The turnaround time does not begin from 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.
With regard to this specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received by the Passport Service on 27th March. However, not all required documents were submitted. Additional supporting documents were received on 30th April. The new issue by date for this passport is 22nd May and it will be with the applicant in time for travel.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for 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.