Clarity needed over passport service name and application times, says TD

The name of the Passport Express application channel must be changed to provide clarity to customers on the nature of the service and the associated increased turnaround times, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Dublin Mid-West TD Deputy Emer Higgins says that applying online is in fact the fastest way to get your passport.

Deputy Higgins said: “The turnaround time for Passport Online renewals is between 10-15 days, however the average time for Passport Express applications currently stands at eight weeks.

“My office has been inundated over the past couple of months with constituent queries regarding delayed passport applications.

“As part of my work in dealing with these cases, I have found that many constituents apply through Passport Express because the name of the service leads them to believe that it is the quickest method of application.

“Due to the misleading nature of the Passport Express name, people are unaware that online application is in fact the quicker option and can be up to four times quicker than the postal method.

“The Passport Express channel was created in partnership with An Post’s Swiftpost option and provides customers with a passport application option through their local Post Office.

“This is a vital service for people who do not wish to use the online system or who have limited digital skills, and as such must of course be retained.

“However, a very simple change to the name of the service would save people a lot of confusion and ensure that everyone is aware that applying online is in fact the quickest option.

“I have written to the CEO of An Post looking to engage with him on this issue, and I hope to see some progress on clarifying this for people soon,” she said.