Written Answers Nos. 81-93
81. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 206 and 207 of 25 June 2026, her views on the article (details supplied); to give an update on the costs associated with this tender; which departments the funding has come from to purchase these vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49916/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union will be an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union. The Government has committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful Presidency.
As part of the Presidency programme, Ireland will host high-level meetings in Ireland including an informal meeting of the European Council and a summit meeting of the European Political Community, as well as a programme of 22 informal Council meetings at Ministerial level. More than 270 other Presidency meetings and events are expected to be hosted in Ireland.
In line with the precedents established by previous EU Presidencies, the provision of secure ground transport services is essential to ensure the security and safety of visiting delegations and to facilitate the smooth operation of meetings taking place in Ireland.
With the support of the Office of Government Procurement, under my Department's allocation for the Presidency under the Revised Estimates for 2026, a number of public procurement processes were undertaken to put in place the complex and varied transport services required to deliver the scale of the overall meetings programme.
Vehicles being secured as part of this transport service are being leased rather than purchased.
The public procurement processes are complete. The relevant expected costs, as set out in the published award notices in the Official Journal of the EU, are as follows:
• Ground Transport Management Services Operator to provide ground transport management services, drivers and planning for meetings - €4,452,096;
• Lease of a core fleet of vehicles (40 cars, 44 minivans) for motorcade provision – €781,835;
• Lease of armoured vehicles for specific meetings - €1,200,000.
82. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on a passport application (details supplied) as all requested supporting documentation has been submitted and the applicants travel date is imminent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49992/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
83. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total cost incurred by the Passport Service in the development, procurement, implementation, and operation of the new IT system, Turas, broken down by year and by category of spend, including development, procurement, software licensing, staff training, and ongoing operational and maintenance costs; whether an element of this work was carried out by external contractors or consultants and, if so, the cost of same; and if she will provide a direct answer to the cost question asked, in tabular form (details supplied). [49993/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuras is the new core processing system used by the Passport Service. The first phase of the new system was launched successfully in December 2025, with further upgrades taking place to date. The system is highly complex and designed specifically for the Irish passport service. The new system allows for better efficiencies in the processing of passports, while protecting the integrity and security of the Irish passport.
To date, the new passport processing system, turas, has cost of €9.15 million. These costs are in line with the contract to deliver the new system, which was signed on 10 June 2024. The project is phased and will incur additional costs as additional functionality and integrations with other systems are delivered. Turas is one system being developed as part of the wider Passport Reform Programme, with all planned works due to be completed in Q3 2027.
Due to the nature of turas as the core system of the passport service much of the work carried out is done so to facilitate the interoperability of all systems across the complex technical architecture of the service. As a result it is not possible to look at turas in isolation with regard to operational, training and other costs that may be incurred across the service.
84. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 212, 213 and 214 of 25 June 2026, in which her Department stated that there have been no significant service disruptions to the Passport Service’s new IT system, Turas, since its deployment in December 2025, the precise criteria used by her Department or the Passport Service to classify an incident as a “significant service disruption”; the total number of scheduled system upgrades, unscheduled outages, and pre-planned service outages that have occurred since December 2025, broken down by category and by duration; whether the two pre-planned weekend outages referenced in the reply, and the routine scheduled upgrades of two to four hours’ duration, are excluded from her Department’s definition of a significant service disruption; and if she will confirm the total cumulative hours during which the Turas system was unavailable to passport applicants or Passport Service staff since deployment. [49994/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service deployed a new internal processing system, turas, in December 2025. This new system has been developed specifically for the Irish passport service and allows for greater efficiencies in the production of passports as well as the ability to handle significantly more passport and foreign birth registration applications year on year. Turas has been built using modern technology which makes it more agile and easier to adapt for policy and legislation changes that occur in the future.
Turas is the core system of the Passport Service and integrates with all other current and future systems. All future phases of Turas development will be carried out in line with the development of other projects under the programme. This work will continue until Q3 2027.
A significant service disruption is defined as a significant degradation of the passport production process that would impact our service to the public. At no time since the deployment of the new system turas in December 2025 has there been an outage that has fallen into this category. All upgrades have been carried out on a scheduled basis and have taken place outside core working hours ensuring minimal impact on the day to day operations of the Passport Service.
85. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Registrar of the International Court of Justice notified the Irish Government of the proceedings in the case of Nicaragua v Germany in relation to Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory; the action that has been taken by the Government in response to this notification; and if the Government intends to make a declaration of intervention in line with Article 63 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. [50046/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland was notified in March 2024 by the Registrar of the International Court of Justice of the initiation of proceedings by Nicaragua against Germany, along with all other states parties to the conventions cited by Nicaragua in these proceedings.
While Ireland has not intervened in this case, the Government has monitored developments in it since its initiation and will continue to do so.
86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (31.10.2025), which reaffirms Morocco's autonomy plan as the optimal solution within the Moroccan sovereignty; if in line with Ireland's strong commitment to multilateralism, the Government is considering an updated assessment of its current position on Western Sahara; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50050/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 31 October 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO, for one year until 31 October 2026. Ireland is not currently a member of the United Nations Security Council but has taken note of Resolution 2797.
The resolution “expresses its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in facilitating and conducting negotiations taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal”. It also “welcomes any constructive suggestions by the parties in response to the Autonomy Proposal”.
Following the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2797, the Personal Envoy outlined that the resolution provides a framework for negotiations. He further underlined that the resolution “does not prescribe an outcome…which will, as always, in order to be sustainable, be the result of negotiations conducted in good faith.”
Ireland's engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by Staffan de Mistura. Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination. It is in this spirit that Ireland will continue to support UN-led efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
Officials at the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard. Any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
87. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the recent expressions of support within the European Union for Morocco's autonomy plan as a credible and pragmatic basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute; whether the Government intends to consider the EU stance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 31 October 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO, for one year until 31 October 2026. Ireland is not currently a member of the United Nations Security Council but has taken note of Resolution 2797.
The resolution “expresses its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in facilitating and conducting negotiations taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal”. It also “welcomes any constructive suggestions by the parties in response to the Autonomy Proposal”.
Following the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2797, the Personal Envoy outlined that the resolution provides a framework for negotiations. He further underlined that the resolution “does not prescribe an outcome…which will, as always, in order to be sustainable, be the result of negotiations conducted in good faith.”
The EU Common Position for the EU-Morocco Association Council, which took place on 29 January 2026 welcomed the renewal of the MINURSO mandate, and also welcomed any constructive suggestions that the parties may make in response to the autonomy plan. The text of the Common Position represented a balance of the views of the 27 EU Member States, which differ internally on the issue of Western Sahara.
Ireland's position on Western Sahara has been and continues to be guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Ireland's engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, Staffan de Mistura. Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination. It is in this spirit that Ireland will continue to support UN-led efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
Officials at the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard. Any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
88. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has considered the diplomatic efforts undertaken (details supplied) to facilitate negotiations aimed at advancing the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Western Sahara issue; whether Ireland has engaged with these initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50052/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 31 October 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO, for one year until 31 October 2026. Ireland is not currently a member of the United Nations Security Council but has taken note of Resolution 2797. Ireland's position on Western Sahara has been and continues to be guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
The United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter.
Ireland's engagement on this issue will continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination. It is in this spirit that Ireland will continue to support UN-led efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
Officials at the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard. Any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
89. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review a passport application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50121/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
90. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on her position in relation to the human rights abuses by the Taliban in Afghanistan; the humanitarian aid measures she provided to people in Afghanistan; the assistance she has discussed at an EU level for those fleeing the regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the commitment in "Securing Ireland's Future", Ireland continues to play an active role in seeking to maintain EU and international attention on the appalling human rights and Humanitarian situation within Afghanistan and, in particular, the deplorable restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women and girls.
In line with our active engagement on this issue, senior officials from my Department recently met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, while he was visiting Ireland, to discuss Human Rights and humanitarian issues in Afghanistan. Senior officials also met with the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand, in Brussels last week.
Since January 2020, Ireland has provided over €20 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan through the Irish Aid programme. So far, in 2026, Ireland has provided €3 million to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund and another €1.5 million to support the UNHCR Afghanistan Situation Response including support to Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan and provided a further €400,000 to Concern Worldwide to support its response in Afghanistan. For the 2025-2026 term, Ireland has also joined the Advisory Board of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund. Ireland will include Afghanistan within its Presidency of the Council of the EU’s humanitarian focus, by fostering discussion on the situation and raising awareness of the continuing, neglected humanitarian crisis.
Since 2021, Ireland has welcomed over 700 refugees from Afghanistan under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), administered by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Humanitarian Admissions Programme for 2026 is expected to commence shortly.
Along with other EU Partners, Ireland played a lead role in pressing for the establishment of an Independent Investigative Mechanism on Afghanistan at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. We will continue working with UN Special Rapporteur Bennett to ensure that this new mechanism is established and made operational as quickly as possible in order to try and help deliver much needed accountability to the people of Afghanistan.
I believe that the ongoing dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan clearly warrants a political level discussion within the Foreign Affairs Council and would support such a discussion taking place, if agreement to do so can be found. Ireland will also continue, including as EU Presidency, actively to support the role of the EU, through its Special Envoy for Afghanistan, and the UN-led Doha process. in working to address the human rights and humanitarian situation In Afghanistan. Ireland will also remain active in ensuring all possible pressure is maintained to bring about improvements in the dire political, economic and humanitarian situation confronting the Afghan people, in particular Afghanistan’s women and girls.
91. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when system upgrade works will be completed in the Passport Office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50131/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service continually look for ways to improve the services provided to our customers.
The Passport Reform Programme is a multi-year programme to modernise the Passport Service, improve customer services, strengthen operational resilience and enhance the security of Ireland’s passport systems helping Ireland remain a global leader in identity security.
Significant progress has already been made with the delivery of two key projects.
In December 2025, the Passport Service successfully implemented the first phase of the Turas passport processing system, replacing legacy technology with a modern case management and passport processing platform. The introduction of Turas represents the single largest technology transformation undertaken by the Passport Service and has delivered more efficient, secure and resilient processing of passport applications.
Most recently on 26 June 2026, the Department launched Ireland’s newly designed passport book and card. The new passport incorporates enhanced security features alongside updated artwork celebrating Ireland’s heritage, culture and biodiversity. This project also comprised the implementation of the complex personalisation production machinery used to print the passports.
The Reform Programme is scheduled to conclude in Q3 2027 with work still ongoing on key projects including a Case Management System to consolidate all customer contacts and integrate with our core system Turas, a new online application platform for passport applications and Foreign Birth Registration services and the implementation of additional passport integrity systems. Further enhancements to Turas will take place on a phased basis and in line with the delivery of the other projects.
92. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it can be ensured that a one-day urgent passport service is available at the Cork office. [50166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This award-winning service has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing and has resulted in greater efficiencies for our citizens and for the Passport Service. Passport Online is a user-friendly, efficient service that is currently issuing the vast majority of adult renewal passports within 2 working days.
Approximately 97% of all passport applications are now made through Passport Online which is available to 100% of all applicants globally.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Cork and Dublin 2 operate an Urgent Appointment service for renewal applications. Our records show that just 1.7% of all passport applicants avail of the Urgent Appointment service. During 2025, there were an average of 240 urgent appointments for a four-day turnaround service available in Cork each week. In 2025, just 15.6% of appointments available in Cork were booked.
The Passport Service operates three passport book printing machines: two machines are located in the main production facility at the Balbriggan campus and the third machine is located in the Dublin 2 Passport Office. The printing and dispatch of passports is a highly automated process in what is, essentially, an industrial production system.
To have a one-day turnaround in Cork Passport Office would involve purchasing another passport printer, which would be located in Cork.
The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of purchasing and installing new printer and mailing machine to be approximately €5.3 million. In addition to the capital investment, these highly sophisticated machines require expert engineers to be on-site while the machines are in operation to maintain and service the machines and repair them when necessary. The running and maintenance costs alone are is estimated to be €600,000 per year.
For these reasons, at the moment, a business case has not been made to invest this level of funds to facilitate the small proportion of applicants who may wish to have their passport renewed within one day in Cork.
93. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she is aware of difficulties experienced by passport applicants whereby photographs uploaded through the Online Passport Service are initially accepted by the system but subsequently fail biometric verification checks; if consideration is being given to improving the online photo-validation process so that non-compliant photographs are identified before submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50212/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index, as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 186 countries. Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications.
The Passport Service complies with the photo regulations and passport guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO is a UN agency that defines in detail the required format for a passport.
The Passport Service continually works to enhance the service and provide efficiencies for customers.
The Passport Service's programme of reform will continue throughout this year and into next year, with the delivery of a number of highly complex and transformational projects that are necessary to future-proof service delivery, enhance the customer experience, ensure business continuity, and safeguard the integrity of the Irish passport. Successful delivery of these projects will ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of passport processing worldwide. The Reform Programme includes improvements to the Passport Online website including the submission of passport photos
There are a variety of reasons why an applicant may be required to submit a new photo for their passport application. These may include issues with the photo background, closed eyes or incorrect size.
Online applications for which additional photos are requested, are processed within a maximum of 10 working days upon the receipt of the new photo. All other requests for further documents are processed within 15 working days of receipt of the additional documents, for both paper and online application types.
The Passport Service has extensive public education materials, including video tutorials on taking a passport photo and detailed instructions on the application process, available on my Department’s website: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/photo-guidelines/
In addition, 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/
