Passport office delays
Deputy Murnane O'Connor raised late passport deliveries and difficulty getting through by phone, especially for children’s passports. The Taoiseach confirmed a debate on the Passport Office the following Thursday and acknowledged the sharp rise in applications.
My question is also about passports and the serious backlog relating to them. We know there is a huge issue with children's passports and new passports. One of the serious problems I am facing is that the online application system is indicating dates for the arrival of people's passports. However, some passports tend not to arrive for weeks after the specified date and many people are missing holidays as a result. I know the staff are doing their best. The other issue, which is also serious, relates to the phone lines. One could be on the phone to the Passport Office all day. Could we have a discussion on this matter? Is there anything else the Government can do? I have contacted the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, several times.
Comment on this
It has been agreed that there will be a debate on the Passport Office next Thursday.
Comment on this
I did not know that. Is it next Thursday?