Essential travellers will be allowed to apply for a new passport from this week.
The Passport Office will grant applications for those travelling for work, education, and providing care for family members.
Those applying for a passport must provide proof that their travel is essential.
Otherwise, the Passport office will not resume granting their application until the Level 5 restrictions are lifted in Ireland.
The application process ceased in December 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
The full amendments to the Health Act 1947, allow for a passport to be granted under the following scenarios:
A person leaving the state for work
Attend school, a university or other education and training facility if required to attend in person
Accompany someone you reside with or a vulnerable person to school or university
Attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany a person you reside with or a vulnerable person to their appointment
Seek essential medical, health or dental advice
Attend to vital family matters, example: care to a vulnerable person
Attend a funeral
In cases where a person is not ordinarily resident in the State is leaving
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs told the Journal.ie about the Passport Service.
They said: “A recent amendment to the Health Act 1947 has expanded the criteria of what is considered a reasonable excuse for non-essential travel.
"Applicants who require a passport for these purposes should contact the Passport Service via our Customer Service Hub Web Chat function on our website once they have evidence to substantiate their request.
"The Passport Service has ensured that appropriate resources are in place to respond to such requests."
Irish citizens overseas attempting to get a passport are required to contact the local Irish Embassy or Consulate General to pursue their applications.
You can find out more information here.
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