Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor has welcomed the Rapid Renewal Scheme, a new pilot programme being introduced by the Passport Office. This will see applications being processed on the day.

“This excellent new scheme is available to people travelling within three days. It is important to note that this is an appointment only service, that it is available to those renewing passports only and there will be a maximum limit of 20 of these premium appointments available each day.

“I strongly urge all passport holders to do two things at once. Check your passport NOW to make sure it is well in date for any travel plans you have and to do the same for any other family members, especially children; Make sure passports are kept in a safe place, and remember where that is.

“The Passport Office has done a great job being responsive and imaginative at a time when resources are tight and demand continues to rise. Over 63o,000 passports were issued last year. Few public services deal in so much short term, urgent drama and crisis.

“In emergencies where people need to travel due to death or serious illness of a family member, applications are generally turned around on the same day if proof of the emergency is provided.

“The Passport Express Service is hassle free and operates through over 900 post offices. It is the fastest and cheapest way to apply. The Passport Office aims to have passports back within 10 working days.

“For those with urgent travel needs, a passport appointment system for quick turnaround is now also available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. This allows customers to book a guaranteed time slot online. All of the relevant information about passports can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs website: www.dfa.ie“