DUBLIN: The Department of Foreign Affairs has suspended the processing of all applications for passport services. Passport applications and renewal will now be possible only after the end of Level 5 restrictions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the passport applications could not be processed remotely, as the passport service officers operate from home and had no access to the applicants’ personal data.
Passport service staff have been temporarily reassigned to other roles.
However, ‘Same Day’ service provided in emergencies including death, illness or medical treatment in abroad will continue.
Emergency services for Irish citizens living abroad will also continue. These applicants may submit their applications to their local Irish Embassy or to the Consulate General.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that normal processing of passports will resume once the country moves to Level 4. Currently, the government has said that Level 5 will continue till April 12. The Taoiseach had indicated that this period might be extended.
The Department also expects a decision on backlog applications within six to eight weeks after returning to Level 4.
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