Drop Down Menu
  Search...
 

 

Donegal tops quick passports list 07.07.08

ONE third of all applications to TDs and senators by people looking for a fast-tracked passport are from Donegal, new figures show.
The statistics show that among the most frequent users of the special facility for Oireachtas members were former minister Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher and current Tanaiste Mary Coughlan.
The figures were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Sunday Times newspaper. An analysis of one month's figures from June 9, 2005 onwards, showed that Gallagher made 93 applications on behalf of constituents while Coughlan made 88. Other public representatives to use the service to get quick passports for their constituents were Deputy Dinny McGinley at 19 applications and now Deputy Joe McHugh, at 17. The scheme which allows people to skip the two-week wait at the passport office is currently being reviewed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Gallagher has defended the scheme saying people usually only requested a quick passport in "extenuating" circumstances such as a family sickness or sudden death abroad or when a parent had to get an individual passport for a child - the law no longer allows a child to be named on their parents' passport.

Return to > News