Minister for Foreign Affairs Appoints Passport Appeals Officer
An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha Preas Ráiteas
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release
Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile Átha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
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Idirlíon/Internet: www.dfa.ie Ríomh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie
Minister for Foreign Affairs Appoints Passport Appeals Officer
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., has announced the appointment of Mr. Hugh Swift as the first ever Passport Appeals Officer.
The Passports Act 2008 establishes a statutory right of appeal in respect of decisions by the Minister to refuse to issue or to cancel a passport. The new mechanism is intended as a speedy and informal alternative to the courts, for persons aggrieved by a refusal or cancellation. Under the Act, appeals are considered by an independent Passport Appeals Officer who must have knowledge or experience regarding the issuing of passports.
Mr. Swift is a former officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, he served in Irish Embassies on three continents, including successive postings as Ambassador to Egypt, South Africa and Singapore. He was also seconded to the European Commission from 1981 to 1990 and served as head of delegation in Zambia and Tanzania. He retired in April 2008 from his position as Head of the Cultural Division in Iveagh House.
In accordance with section 19 of the Act, the appointment is for a three year period.
Announcing the appointment, the Minister said:
“I am very pleased that Hugh Swift has agreed to take up the role of Passport Appeals Officer. Hugh brings a wealth of expertise and experience accrued over the course of a long and distinguished career in the foreign service and I am confident that he will be an excellent, independent passport appeals officer.”
Note for Editors
The Passports Act 2008 sets out a comprehensive legislative basis for the regulation and issuing of passports. Under the Act, the Minister for Foreign Affairs may, in certain limited circumstances, refuse to issue (section 12) or cancel (section 18) a passport.
Section 19 of the Act establishes an appeals mechanism in respect of decisions by the Minister to refuse to issue or to cancel a passport. An appeal against such decisions (other than on grounds of citizenship) lies to an independent Passport Appeals Officer, to be appointed by the Minister under Section 19(4).
In accordance with Section 19, the Minister may appoint one or more persons who, in his or her opinion, have knowledge or experience relating to the issue of passports. An appointee shall hold office for a term of three years and shall be independent in the performance of his or her duties.
The Act provides that the Passport Appeals Officer may, in determining an appeal, confirm the decision of the Minister or recommend that the decision should be set aside.
Mr. Swift was employed in the Department from 1965 until his retirement in April 2008. He was seconded to the European Commission from 1981 to 1990 and served as head of delegation in Zambia and Tanzania. Over the course of a long and distinguished career in the Department, he was assigned at Embassies on three continents, including successive postings as Ambassador to Egypt, South Africa and Singapore. In the course of these assignments, he acquired the necessary understanding of the Department’s role relating to the issuing of passports.
Mr. Swift is the first ever appointee to this role. His appointment will take effect immediately and is for a three year period.
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20th January 2009
Press Office
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