“Passport applications with absolute proof of travel are now guaranteed to be processed within three working days. Applicants should make contact with the passport service and provide proof where applicable. While the backlog is still hugely excessive at 57,516 as of July 6th, and the Government is still struggling to alleviate the problem, at least a new fast turnaround time has been introduced,” said the local Fine Gael TD.
“Additional temporary staff have commenced work in the passport service in the last few weeks to clear the backlog and while this is welcome news, I’m disappointed that the Government did not appoint extra staff before an enormous backlog had formed and the problem had already snowballed.”
Information released to Deputy Coonan by the Foreign Affairs Minister also revealed that it is taking eight weeks to process applications received through the ordinary post channels. Passport demand is now running at 14% higher than this time in 2009. Unfortunately, the Minister was unable to say how many North Tipperary people are waiting for their passports.
Deputy Coonan said: “Until now, the fastest turnaround time was open only to applicants who needed to travel for urgent humanitarian reasons but this new service will also prioritise applications for people with immediate travel plans. An additional fee may apply in respect of such new applications.”
Of the 57,516 applications waiting to be processed, 12,400 of these were received by the Passport Office in Cork. Applications submitted via the Passport Express service (Swiftpost in the Republic and NIPX in the North), available through local post offices, are being processed within 20 working days. This 20 working day guarantee is kept under review. There is no difference in waiting times for a passport renewal or first time application.
Ends
Noel Coonan TD
Responding to Deputy Máire Hoctor’s comment
Monday, July 19th, 2010“As the unemployment situation continues to worsen in North Tipperary with dole figures reaching 7,551 it makes sense that Fine Gael would adjust our already existing policies to effectively address the changing economic climate which is witnessing the destruction of our small to medium sized businesses. I feel that Deputy Hoctor would be better placed to express her concerns to her Government colleagues who have orchestrated this economic turmoil instead of targeting Fine Gael policy which will help struggling families and businesses.
Deputy Hoctor may act like Mighty Mouse in North Tipperary but she is merely Minnie Mouse in Leinster House where she is seeking refuge in a sham committee and displaying a complete lack of confidence in the leadership of Taoiseach Brian Cowen. I’m sure Deputy Hoctor is aware that on RTE’s ‘This Week’ programme, Deputy Michael Noonan clarified his comments regarding the NewERA policy. While the Deputy criticises Fine Gael policy, neither she nor her Government colleagues have anything to offer in relation to job creation or any hope for the future.
Also, I’m sure Deputy Hoctor is aware that the Government she continues to support was sharply criticised only last week by Deputy Michael Noonan for ignoring advice against providing a blanket guarantee to Anglo-Irish which contributed to the banking crisis.
Deputy Noonan highlighted how, a full five days before the decision was made, the Finance Minister and Brian Cowen were warned by experts that potential losses in Anglo Irish were greater than its capital base, and that it therefore faced not just a liquidity crisis but also a solvency crisis. But this Government, of which Deputy Hoctor was a key member, ignored the advice and stormed ahead to create a banking crisis that will leave generations to come in huge debt.
I hosted a public meeting on Fine Gael’s Jobs Plan in Roscrea in May to address the spiralling job crisis in North Tipperary. Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny and Deputy Simon Coveney explained NewERA in grave detail. The policy document was extensively debated and well-received by over 300 people in attendance who were united in their belief that this Government has ruined our economy.
Deputy Hoctor has consistantly supported a Government that has penny-pinched the most vulnerable in society and continues to do so. The Government has cut numerous social welfare entitlements including the Christmas bonus, imposed levy after levy on people who work hard and already contribute enough tax, and a Government that has crippled farmers by ceasing schemes such as the Young Farmers Installation Aid which were a vital supplement to incomes. The list goes on and on,” concluded Deputy Coonan.
Ends
Noel Coonan TD
Tags:Máire Hoctor, response to comments
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