77. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider opening a passport office in the North. [69331/26]

The Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Over 97% of all passport applications are now made through Passport Online which is available to 100% of all applicants globally. It is worth noting that just 1% of passports issue through the public counter in Dublin.

Demand for passports from citizens resident in Northern Ireland remains steady. To date in 2026, over 97% of applications from citizens resident in Northern Ireland have been made through Passport Online, compared with 91% in 2025.

Last December, the Passport Service launched a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens who do not wish to use Passport Online channel and assist them to make a paper passport application. Citizens can call the dedicated Passport Assist number to receive a personalised paper form, along with a bespoke list of documents required, which they can post back to the Passport Service through their local post office. This all-island service has enhanced the paper application route by offering direct assistance to citizens.

In terms of any proposed additional passport office, there are considerable financial implications to consider. The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of opening an office in Northern Ireland, including purchasing and installing new printer and mailing machine, to be approximately €5.3 million. In addition, operational costs including staffing for up to 100 staff are estimated to be approximately €6.8 million per annum.

In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, as well as the significant cost involved, my Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for establishing an additional passport office on the island of Ireland.