Press release
Tánaiste invites public to complete survey on design of new passport book
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has today launched a survey seeking the public’s input into the design of the new passport book and card.
Speaking today the Tánaiste said:
"I am delighted to launch the passport design survey which will invite the public to participate in the process of designing our next generation passport. The Irish passport is a vital document of the Irish State and it currently ranks fifth in the Henley Global Passport Index. This high ranking provides citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries. High quality design is central to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Irish Passport.
"My department is currently working to identify the design and security aspects of the new passport book. As part of this process, and to encourage people to connect with the next passport book, I invite everyone to share their views in this short survey. The survey provides people with an opportunity to select aspects of Ireland’s diverse natural environment that they would like to see in the new passport book and card design."
The Tánaiste concluded:
"With over 557,000 passports issued so far this year, 2023 continues to be a busy year for the Passport Service. I would remind citizens who are planning to travel to check their passport is in date, and if they need to apply for a new passport, to use Passport Online. Over 90 percent of citizens now use Passport Online as it is the quickest, cheapest and most efficient way to apply for your passport."
Red C on behalf of the department is undertaking this survey which is publicly available in both Irish and English and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
The results of the survey will help to inform the future design of the Irish passport which is expected to be introduced in late 2025.
The existing passport book is ten years old and to maintain the integrity of the passport, frequent redesigns and enhanced security features to passport books, passport cards and other travel documents are recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Passport Service is meeting all of its target turnaround times, and has issued over 557,000 passports to date in 2023.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub is responding to an average of 15,000 queries per week on phones and webchat.
Over half of all online simple adult renewals issue within two working days.