SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has written to the Irish government reiterating calls for the establishment of an Irish Passport Office in the North.
In November 2022, a record one million Irish passports were issued within a period of 10 months at which point Mr Durkan was advised by previous Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Coveney that there were no plans to implement a passport office in Northern Ireland.
As of December 2022, it was revealed that the Irish passport office had temporarily suspended the postage of passports and documentation to the North of Ireland and Great Britain, as a result of Royal Mail Strikes.
Mr Durkan said the disruption is further proof of the need for a provision here.
Following correspondence to Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin, the Foyle MLA said: “The SDLP has been campaigning for an Irish passport office to be established here for many years and the benefits are clear.
“The record breaking statistics last year are not only testament to that need but the latest issues around the suspended postage of Irish passports to the North further underscores the importance of having a localised provision.
“The temporary disruption was put in place as a result of Royal Mail strike action but given that no further dates are planned according to the Communication Workers’ Union, this suspension should be lifted with immediate effect.
“And I’ve written to the Department for Foreign Affairs in the South outlining that case.
“At present, applicants from Northern Ireland are being advised to travel to Dublin in order to collect their new passports and documentation.
“This sets citizens from the North at further disadvantage, complicating access to important documents to which they are entitled.
“A passport office based in the North is a common sense solution, not just to this predicament but the overall delays and recurring problems facing applicants here.
“It would also ease the significant pressures facing Passport Office staff given the unprecedented demand of late.
“Countless calls have been made to the Irish government over the years for a passport office for the North.
“Brexit has undoubtedly increased demand for Irish passports and has set a precedent which is likely to continue.
“I hope the Irish Government will seriously reconsider this proposal to ensure that every person on this island can avail if this important service.”
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