Any Irish Mumsnetters out there?

[Raaaadley]

What level of lockdown is Ireland in at the moment? I have googled, but still not sure. I have tried to contact DFA by phone and Webchat but they are too busy to take enquiries.

We applied for DD's Irish passport in February 2021. They have accepted the application but said not to send documents as no processing would be done in level 5 lockdown. I am wondering if Ireland has come out of level 5 now as it looks like restrictions have eased a little from what I can gather from Google.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Level 5 lockdown has eased. Google RTE news, or latest news lockdown restrictions if you want more detail. In terms of passports there is a huge backlog atm. Eight week processing time for applications.

I've seen on Instagram over the last few days - people who have applied for a passport recently (say last few weeks, but I am not exactly sure) have got them, but the older applications haven't been processed.

I ordered one back in Jan, got the book a week later, but I didn't get the passport card (I ordered both). I went on the DFA website to ask about it, and was told (live chat) that nothing was being processed during Level 5, apart from a random few books being printed to keep the machinery ticking over. So, I had randomly got mine (I thought they were being super efficient for once). Still no sign of my card.

Level 5 is gone now - I don't think we are using Levels at all at this point - so they should be operating.

It is, as per usual, totally hit and miss.

Thanks both for this information. I will send off the photo and registration of foreign birth document so that they can complete the passport application. There is no hurry to get the passport back really as we won't be going on holiday this year.

There’s a Mumsnet board called craicnet. If you try there, you’ll probably get more answers.

I've been on DFA website loads in the past few weeks trying to get an online renewal done for child. It's been one thing after another going wrong, but the phone lines and web chat are now quite efficient. As far as I know FBR passport are not being processed until backlog is cleared. Hth

www.dfa.ie/passports/turnaround-times/

This is from last week

@RickiTarr

There’s a Mumsnet board called craicnet. If you try there, you’ll probably get more answers.

Thanks for this! I will check it out.

@Beefstew

I've been on DFA website loads in the past few weeks trying to get an online renewal done for child. It's been one thing after another going wrong, but the phone lines and web chat are now quite efficient. As far as I know FBR passport are not being processed until backlog is cleared. Hth

That is useful to know. I will send off the documents that they need to complete the passport application, but I won't expect to receive the passport any time soon!

@topwings

www.dfa.ie/passports/turnaround-times/

This is from last week

Thank you for this link. It was very helpful.