Apply for your passport in plenty of time, advises TD

As the summer season approaches Fianna Fail TD Robert is urging all those who are booking trips abroad to ensure their passports are in date, and if applying for a first time passport, or renewal, to do so in plenty of time.

“My office has already seen a substantial increase in the number of urgent passport queries which we are dealing with, and this will only increase as we approach the summer. If people are planning trips during the summer it is important that they act now and ensure all passports for the household are in date. First time applications for children have to go through substantial examinations and therefore take substantially longer than straightforward renewals."

The Passport Service have reported huge demand for new or replacement passports so far this year and while in the main passports will issue within the guideline timeframes, applicants are reminded that delays can occur for a variety of reasons.

“There are a number of issues which we witness quite regularly with regard to applications, for example there have been instances where a garda will witness a child’s application, however, if it is not a full time garda station then the Passport Office may not be able to verify the application. Please make sure you get the application witnessed at a full time station to avoid this unnecessary delay.

"There are also regularly issues with the quality of photograph submitted, though the online renewal site advises that while pictures can be taken at home it is best to have them taken by a professional and uploaded via email. The main thing to keep in mind is to apply in plenty of time and there will then be time to iron out any issues which may arise particularly if you choose to apply through the post office with a paper application. The online option is the fastest avenue for all straightforward applications,” concluded Deputy Troy.