Preasráitis
Tánaiste announces results of public consultation on new passport book design
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin today released a report on the public consultation on the design of the new Irish passport book and card.
Over 15,000 people worldwide took part in the public consultation, giving their view on what native flora and fauna should be featured in the new passport.
Speaking today, the Tánaiste said:
“I am delighted to release the report on the passport design public consultation. The insights provided by the public are invaluable to my department, and will guide the look of the inside of the final book when it is launched.
“We share our island with a rich array of indigenous flora and fauna and I look forward to seeing a wide range of them represented in our next passport book. The Irish Wolfhound, Red Squirrel and Red Deer were the top three fauna selected, while the shamrock, gorse and bluebell were the top flora choices. These choices and many more are now being developed into a final design concept which will feature in the new passport book. I encourage everyone to read the final report which is available on Ireland.ie."
The Tánaiste concluded:
"With over 1 million passport applications received so far this year, 2023 was another busy year for the Passport Service. Looking ahead to the Christmas period and into 2024, 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.”
Research agency Red C undertook this public consultation on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs. It was publicly available for input for three weeks from 27 June until 13 July 2023.
The full report can be read on Ireland.ie, the results of which are informing the design of the next Irish Passport, for which the department is currently procuring a vendor.
The Irish passport is a vital document of the Irish State and it currently ranks fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index. This high ranking provides citizens with visa-free access to 190 countries.
The existing passport book is now over 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 Authority (ICAO).
The Passport Service is meeting all of its target turnaround times, and has issued over 940,000 passports to date in 2023.
Over half of all online simple adult renewals issue within two working days.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has handled over 600,000 queries from customers this year to date.