Fitzpatrick quizzes An Tánaiste on passport backlogs

WITH summer fast approaching many people are beginning to turn their thoughts to summer holidays but anybody thinking of travelling have been warned to make sure their passports are in date and to apply quickly if they are in need of renewal. S

Last year saw high demand for new passports, with a record 1,080,000 issued during 2022.

Speaking in the Dáil this week Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign affairs, Micheal Martin about the number of online passport applications that are currently waiting to be processed; the general processing times for online applications; and asked if he would make a statement on the matter.

He also asked why there is such a disparity in online passport application processing timeframes compared to postal application processing timeframes, given that the online application process is not accessible to all. He also questioned the number of postal passport applications that are currently waiting to be processed; the estimated timeframe for this backlog to be cleared; and the general processing times for postal applications.

t r AI nee ACCountA nt

A firm of Chartered Accountants is seeking to recruit a Trainee Accountant. This is an excellent opportunity to join an expanding practice where you will gain exposure to a diverse client portfolio.

As a Trainee Accountant, your role will be as follows:

•

Preparation of Sole Trader and Audit Exempt Limited Company Accounts

•

Preparation of tax computations and returns

•

Preparation of VAT 3 & PAYE Returns

• and skills

Rotate between various assignments within the team therefore gaining a broad knowledge

•

Direct client interaction

Candidates must have:

•

A relevant third level degree (Accountancy and Business preferred).

•

Be willing to work toward an accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA).

•

A high level of self-motivation.

•

Good attention to detail.

•

Strong interpersonal skills, both verbal and written

•

Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability

•

Good technical knowledge.

You will receive a competitive remuneration and a comprehensive study package which will include tutorial and exam fees together with study and exam leave. Persons interested should submit their CV to info@briodys.ie or to our address at:

60 Anne St, Dundalk, Co. Louth A91 KN28. Applications will be dealt with in strictest confidence

In response the Tánaiste claimed the Passport Service were on top of the current demand for renewals thanks to bringing in extra staff ahead of the anticipated rush.

“The Passport Service is successfully meeting the current high demand for passports, having implemented operational and staffing plans for 2023. all turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs of either online or paper applications.

“Following a strategic media and communications campaign that was rolled out in December 2022 with a view to managing demand and encouraging applicants to apply online, the Passport Service received over 148,000 applications in January. This is the second highest monthly figure on record.

“The deployment of additional resources to the Passport Service customer Service Hub ensures that 100% of customers who call the Passport Service are getting through each day. The Passport Service has issued over 230,000 passports to date in 2023.

“The Passport Service is pursuing a Digital First strategy and promoting Passport online as the quickest, most convenient and least expensive channel for applicants.

“Passport online is available to 97% of applicants around the world regardless of whether they are first time applicants or are renewing their passport. over 90% of applicants from around the world now apply for their passport using this channel. The Passport Service continues to offer a range of application channels, including a paper-based service for citizens who are not eligible or do not wish to use the Passport online service.

“There are currently over 49,000 fully complete online passport applications and over 18,000 fully complete paper applications in the Passport Service system. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times. There are a further 55,000 online applications and 11,000 paper applications in the Passport Service system that are pending further action by the applicant.

“The current processing times for all applications are as follows: online simple adult renewal - 10 working days; online child/complex renewal - 15 working days; Online first time application - 20 working days; Post Passport via an Post - 8 weeks,” explained an Tánaiste.

“The quicker processing times for online applications are a result of the centralisation of passport processing which Passport online has allowed for. There are limitations to the paper-based processing system which mean it will always be less efficient than the online system.

“The processing time of 8 weeks for paper-based applications compares favourably internationally with countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, where advertised processing times are 10 weeks and 8-11 weeks respectively.

“Whilst there are no current plans to reduce the processing time for paper-based applications, the Passport Service is committed to maintaining the published processing time,” assured an Tánaiste.

Grow Remote Dundalk Table Quiz

THE Dundalk chapter of Grow Remote is excited to welcome local changemakers to their upcoming mental health awareness event. This event will be held on 30th March at Kennedys Bar Dundalk from 7pm to 10pm. Entry fee is €5 for individuals and €20 for a table.

Hello, How are You? is a campaign about connecting with those around us and engaging in open conversations about mental health. It’s about asking the question, ‘How are You?’ with meaning, and really listening to the response.

This is important for Grow Remote because it is a social enterprise made up of remote workers and changemakers who seek to promote remote employment in their communities. Grow Remote’s mission is all about making remote employment more visible and accessible in local communities. across Grow Remote’s nationwide network of chapters, this has resulted in social, economic and environmental impact.

Remote work has myriad benefits to employers, individuals and communities. However, isolation is the number one reported challenge to remote employees.

Working remotely can mean they can feel alone and lack the human connection of a traditional office space.

This is where the Grow Remote Dundalk chapter comes in. chapter Lead, ciara Breen, has been working since covid to build a local community of remote workersconnecting employees from eBay, PayPal and local SMEs through the

Grow Remote chapter. ciara says: “We are thrilled to bring this event to Dundalk and celebrate the Hello, How are You campaign. It is a great opportunity to bring together local remote workers and people interested in using remote work to improve their local community.”

This Hello, How are You event is coordinated in partnership by Grow Remote and Mental Health Ireland. For more information about Grow Remote Dundalk, join the “Grow Remote Dundalk group on Facebook or contact ciara Breen at ciara@ creativespark.ie.