Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure it is staying on top of passport applications ahead of the busy summer season.TD Ring says that last year saw a "surge in demand" for passport processing which "led to delays."“Last year there was a surge in demand for passports which led to significant delays in the processing of applications, particularly for citizens applying for the first time," he said in a statement.
“The problem seems to be that unsuccessful applicants are being notified quite late in the process or near their estimated issue date that there is a problem with their application, and they may have to send additional documentation back to the passport office." “Everyone makes mistakes, but I am asking for fair play here from the Passport Service to ensure citizens are helped in every way they can be to ensure they have their travel documentation in a speedy and efficient manner.
“Figures provided to me recently show the number of Passport Service staff has increased steadily over the last ten years, and stood at 751 last year."