Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
24. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set out in detail the measures being undertaken by her Department to ensure there is sufficient staff in passport services, given that a spike in volume of passport applications received by passport services occurs during the summer months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports. So far in 2026, the Passport Service has issued almost 400,000 passports.
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.
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand continues to be a priority for the Department in 2025 and is an issue that is kept under constant review. To effectively address the increased demand typically experienced during the busy spring and summer period, 76 Temporary Clerical Officers have been assigned to the Passport Service since November 2025, ensuring adequate staffing levels.
The Passport Service continually reviews its internal processes along with levels of demand on a daily basis and offers voluntary overtime to staff when necessary to meet demand, avoid delays and prevent backlogs.
My Department is implementing this year's staffing plan so that excellent customer service is maintained throughout periods of peak demand and is continuing to work to increase resources within the service.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online. In particular, those who are travelling in the coming months 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.
