Would the Minister try to ensure that our passports are priced at the same level as other passports so that Irish citizens in Britain and the North are not encouraged, because of financial considerations, to make application for British passports? There is quite a difference between the price in the two countries.

There is an element of truth in what the Deputy says but he is not comparing like with like. For instance, a passport for a man, his wife and one or two children is much cheaper here than in England.

What about an individual passport?

The individual passport is dearer here but persons under 18 and over 65 can get an annual passport which costs only £3 and this is much cheaper than in England.

I am sure the Minister will agree that most passports are held by people between the ages of 18 and 65.

The Deputy is probably right but people in that age group will not be making use of their passport once, they will have it for ten years.

Would the Minister make inquiries to see if there has been a falling off in the number of applications for Irish passports from Irish people living in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom?

I do not know if we can break down figures in that way but I shall make inquiries.