A backlog of overdue passport applications has forced the Department of Foreign Affairs to temporarily increase its workforce in an attempt to clear the applications awaiting approval.
The accumulation of documents has occurred due to the DFA changing the application process which now includes a more complex application form, along with a 15 per cent rise in applications compared to the same period last year.
“New rules require all first-time passport applicants to have a valid public services card and some people may have to apply to the Department of Social Protection, which can delay the process,” said Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway Eugene Murphy.
He has urged people to be aware of changes as June is the beginning of the holiday season, and with Ireland being represented in Euro 2016 in France, and the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the passport office has considerably more work than usual.
“I’m urging anyone who may be travelling abroad for holidays this summer to ensure that they allow extra time for the processing of their passport,” said Murphy, “People should check their passport to ensure that it is still in date, as no-one wants to miss out on their holiday because they didn’t leave enough time to apply for their passport.“
