Passport applications and post offices
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, declaring an interest as a postmaster, said the online passport renewal system was undermining post offices because paper applications still required garda certification. The Minister said he would refer the issue to the responsible Minister.
I must declare what could be considered a possible conflict of interest because I am a postmaster.
Comment on this
Would the Deputy first of all declare what promised legislation his question concerns?
Comment on this
It is the programme for Government. In the programme for Government, it is pledged to support our post offices. The online system for renewing passports is extremely quick, easy and convenient. The big difference between online and the paper application is that people do not have to get a garda to approve the online version. Will the Government please carry out a review of the paper passport application? The online version is taking greatly from the post offices because people do not want to spend the time looking for gardaí to stamp the forms. I urge the Government to keep to its commitment to our post offices by carrying out that review.
Comment on this
I will have to refer the question to the Minister responsible as to why there is this distinction between the requirement of a garda signature on one and not the other.