Recorded voices offer passports to nowhere

I APPLIED for two passports at a post office in Dungarvan where I was told that for an extra fee of €12, I would have them returned in 10 working days.

I was told also that my receipt contained a number I should ring in case there were any hiccups. After 11 days had passed I became anxious, so I rang the Cork passport office at the number printed on my receipt.

I was greeted by a recording which gave me a few options. I selected one.

The recording then asked me to have my 11-digit barcode ready. Having listened for a few minutes to a female voice informing me of the opening times of the office and the cost of the other relevant services, the recording ended and restarted with exactly the same information, but nothing of my 11-digit barcode.

I decided to ring 11811 and ask if there was an alternative number. To my relief, I was given one. I dialled it only to be greeted by the exact same recording as before.

Now totally frustrated, but not yet defeated, I consulted my ‘07 phone directory. It had a freefone number for the Cork passport office. When I dialled this number, a recorded voice told me it was not in service. I am still no wiser as to the fate of the passports.

Liam Plante

Pilmore

Youghal

Co Cork