From Department of Social Protection; Department of Foreign Affairs
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Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, and Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, have today announced a number of improvements to the Passport Online System.
The measures will allow the Passport Service to access information held by the General Register Office (GRO) for the first time. This will reduce the need for physical documents to be submitted with passport applications.
The measures will be of particular benefit to parents of domestic first-time minor applicants.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, said:
“Today, I am pleased to announce a number of enhancements to the Passport Online System. Over 90% of citizens now apply for their passport with Passport Online and this additional enhancement to the system will greatly improve the application journey for citizens. In particular, the electronic access to GRO records means that - for most first-time, domestic, child applications - a physical birth certificate will no longer need to be submitted.”
Welcoming this agreement, the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said:
“My department has delivered an innovative project to make records of the General Register Office available online in real time for the first time. Today, I am happy to confirm that this initiative means the Passport Service will be able to access birth certificates electronically removing cost and inconvenience for customers.
“This is another excellent example of cross-departmental customer-focussed online service delivery which has been led by my department and which will benefit an increasing number of citizens.”
The Tánaiste concluded by reminding citizens to check that their passport is in date:
“2023 continues to be a busy year for the Passport Service. As we approach the summer holiday season, it is important that citizens check that their passports are in date. If you need to renew or apply for your first passport, make sure and use Passport Online. Passport Online is the quickest and most cost-effective way to apply for your passport."