Record demand slowing work at passport offices

Record demand has prompted a warning to people looking for a passport to allow up to an extra week for it to be processed.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said that the surge in applications is partly down to the rising popularity of foreign holidays booked at the last minute.

The level of requests for new passports is currently running 13% higher than this time last year.

People are now being urged not to book their break away unless their passport is in date.