2019 Sets New Record for Irish passports

Press release

2019 Sets New Record for Irish passports

Over 900,000 Irish passports were issued in 2019, a new record, representing a 7% increase on 2018.  During peak periods, more than 5,800 applications were submitted from around the world in a single day. Continuing the record-breaking trend, total monthly applications exceeded 100,000 in January, March, April and May in 2019. 

 

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., said:

“2019 was another bumper year for the passport service. The award-winning ‘Passport Online’ expanded in 2019 to include first time applicants in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. Irish citizens including children can also renew their passports online 24/7, from anywhere in the world. 

“I want to thank the staff of the passport service who have worked hard in recent years to ensure the Government provides a modern, secure and efficient passport service.  The Irish passport is a valuable document and we continue to strengthen all processes to prevent fraud and maintain its integrity and security. 

“Finally, as we approach 2020, I would remind all prospective travellers check the validity of their passport before booking a trip overseas. If you need to renew your passport, I encourage you to do so online and in the off-peak period, to ensure the shortest possible renewal time.”

Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee T.D., said:

“The innovation shown by the Passport Service with its outstanding Passport Online system has made applying for a passport more convenient than ever before, while enhancing the integrity and security of the Irish passport.

The Passport Service’s award winning Customer Service Hub, established in January this year, can handle 10,000 queries per week through their phone and web-chat system, ensuring the application process for citizens is as smooth as possible.

The dynamism and creativity shown by the Passport Service means it is a real innovation leader in the public service in areas such as technology and customer experience.  I look forward to seeing the continued development of this excellent service in 2020 for the benefit of Irish citizens here and abroad.”

Useful information and guidance on the range of channels through which passport applications can be made is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website at https://www.dfa.ie/passport

Notes for Editors

• The oldest online applicant was 101 and the youngest just 5 days old. The most popular baby girls names were Grace, Emily and Anna, while Jack, James and Noah topped the baby boys’ list.  The most popular surname worldwide was Murphy. 
• The revamped service has brought in faster turnaround times of 5 working days for simple renewals, 10 working days for complex renewals and 20 working days for First Time Applicants, excluding postage delivery time.  In addition, the cost of renewing a passport online is cheaper than alternative methods, with adults costing €75, and children €20.
• Applying online no longer requires a person to have their photos witnessed by a Garda for adult renewals.  This means both the Passport Service and An Garda Síochána can reallocate resources to other areas.
• As in previous years, there were a significant number of applicants from Northern Ireland and Great Britain.  Over 94,000 first time applications were received from people born in Northern Ireland or Great Britain.
• For those who applied through Embassies and Consulates abroad, the cities which received the most applications were New York, Pretoria, Canberra, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, Ottawa, Sydney, Paris, Chicago and Berlin.  
• The number of people applying for citizenship through Foreign Births Registration continues to grow with over 29,000 applications in 2019 with over 16,000 applications processed. This is the highest number ever registered in a single year. 
• Passport Statistics breakdown for 2019 in attached Power Point. 
• Passport Statistics for 2018 - https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2018/december/tanaiste-statement-on-2018-passport-figures-.php
  
  ENDS
  Press Office
  27 December 2019

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