New €14.7m passport system won't alleviate existing delays

Delays in the processing of passports as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant a significant backlog in applications. This is particularly acute for first-time passport applicants.

A contract worth over €14.7m has been awarded for the development of a new system to process passports for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Described by the department as “central” to the delivery of its passport reform programme, it aims to replace the existing legacy systems to manage the processing of passports for the public.