219. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is a minimum period that exists for the renewal of a valid passport that has not been lost, where the applicant seeks a change of name on their passport; if not, the reason the Passport Service may have advised an applicant (details supplied); the process for the renewal of passports in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52362/26]

All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the Act”). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and practices that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.

Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on their birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person’s birth certificate is permitted under the Act, in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc., where civil, or legal documents are available to verify this change.

If an applicant has already been issued with a passport in their birth name since marriage, when making an application in their married name, the Passport Service requires two years' proof of usage of their married name along with the original marriage certificate.

In order to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport against passport and identity fraud, while allowing for genuine cases where name changes have occurred, it is important that a passport is issued in the name used by the applicant. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of security features within the book and the robust processes involved in its issuance.

More information on adult passport applications is available on my Department's website at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements/adult/#change-information.

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/

With regard to the specific case about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the customer to provide assistance.