Louth TD raises delays in passports being issued in Dail

The issue of delays in the Passport Service getting through huge numbers of applications is affecting Dundalk-based holidaymakers, the Dáil heard last week.

During the last week of April, the Passport Service received 33,000 applications, Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú told Taoiseach Simon Harris in Leinster House.

The Dundalk TD said: “At this point, there is a backlog. Staff are obviously working.

“I think everyone would say that we get a great service with the Oireachtas line.

“I have questions about overtime. Whenever there are issues, all resources are brought to bear because we do not want people missing holidays, etc.

“People are finding that their documents are being uploaded but there seems to be an issue with getting them checked.

“I do not know if there are enough checkers.

“I have also been told that paper applications are taking an incredibly long time - longer than anticipated at this point in time.

“I know we constantly have this issue but there is a need to streamline the service.

“It would be beneficial if the checks to find mistakes, etc., could happen at an earlier stage.”

Deputy Ó Murchú said his office have been dealing with a spike in the numbers of people from Louth seeking assistance in getting their passports for holidays.

In response, the Taoiseach said: “I thank Deputy Ó Murchú for raising this issue. I will certainly talk to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

“Considerable progress was made on the issue. In my constituency work I have seen improvements in processing times with the online system.

“If there is a niggle in the system now, it is right that the Deputy has highlighted it.

“I will raise it with the Tánaiste.”