New online passport renewal service launched

• Ireland one of the first countries globally to offer fully online passport renewal service
   
• System, launched in partnership with digital transformation provider BearingPoint, aims to process 30% of passport renewal applications annually
   
• New passport system illustrates how digital services are transforming delivery of key state services’ says expert

Dublin, 30 March 2017: A new online passport renewal service launched today illustrates how digital services are transforming the delivery of State provided services, a leading technology expert said today.

Gillian O’Sullivan, Partner with BearingPoint was speaking after the launch of the Passport Service’s new digital adult passport renewal service that allows Irish citizens at home and abroad to renew their passports online. 

The new service, which is available for public use from today, was officially launched by Charlie Flanagan TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who said the new service represents the continuation of the Government’s focus on making the passport process more convenient and customer focused.

Online passport renewals is the first major service to be made available from the Passport Service’s multi-year Digital Transformation and Reform Programme. The Programme, which is supported by management and technology consultants, BearingPoint, aims to deliver a more efficient, integrated and citizen-focused service and places an increased emphasis on fraud detection and prevention measures to maintain the integrity of the Irish passport.

The Irish Passport Service issued almost 750,000 passports in 2016, an 8% increase on 2015 and a nearly 15% increase over the past decade. Already in 2017 there has been a sharp increase in applications - some of which is attributed to the impacts of Brexit.

Ms O’Sullivan said the innovation evident in the delivery of the passport system is illustrative of how digital transformation is delivering a more dynamic, customer-focused dimension to the delivery of key public services. Ms O’Sullivan highlighted the introduction of real-time analytics to support the new online service as a key element in allowing the Passport Service to become a more data-driven organisation. This has enabled them to make “in the moment” decisions based on real-time demands.  

This change is significant for Irish citizens and for the Passport Service. “Putting the citizen first is at the heart of the Passport Service’s Reform Programme and was central to the design of the new Online Renewal Service. Coupling the online service with improved processes and technologies in the back-office is allowing the Passport Service and citizens to fully realise the benefits of digital transformation.” said Ms O’Sullivan. “BearingPoint has a strong track record in achieving transformational results with our clients and we are delighted to support the Passport Service in this project.”

Speaking at today’s launch, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD said: “Today’s announcement represents a very significant innovation in customer service, improving the delivery of passports to Irish citizens using cutting edge technology and software. The new online service is fast, convenient and secure and constitutes a significant advance in terms of the service we offer to Irish citizens. I want to extend warm appreciation to our partners in BearingPoint. The relationship we have forged with them, coupled with the innovation and advice of its Irish based team, has been central to our successful delivery of online adult passport renewals.”

Ireland is one of the first countries to offer a online passport application service and it is expected that these applications will be faster to process and offer greater convenience and more predictable turnaround times; all delivered through a fully secure service for citizens, wherever they are in the world. 

About the Online Passport Renewal Project
BearingPoint has a long-standing relationship with the Passport Service and is providing business and technology advisory services to support its Digital Transformation and Reform Programme. The Programme’s overarching objectives are: 

• To facilitate citizens’ changing needs in line with the Government’s Public Sector ICT Strategy and Digital First policy 
• To increase security controls 
• To streamline and provide flexibility in operations

Together with the Passport Service, BearingPoint led the Online Adult Renewals project, defining the project’s scope and shape, providing procurement advice and undertaking technical and quality assurance services throughout the delivery phases. Drawing on its extensive business consulting, technical delivery and digital transformation skills, BearingPoint has worked collaboratively with the Passport Service and its selected vendors to successfully deliver this new, high profile, cutting edge digital public service.

About BearingPoint
BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European routes and a global reach. The company operates in three units: Consulting, Solutions and Ventures. Consulting covers the advisory business; Solutions provides the tools for successful digital transformation, regulatory technology and advanced analytics; Ventures drives the financing and development of start-ups. BearingPoint’s clients include many of the world’s leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 75 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success. In Ireland, BearingPoint employs 260 people.

BearingPoint is a leading provider of digital solutions and business transformation services, including its award-winning R6 Digital Ecosystem Management platform, to the public and private sectors. BearingPoint works with a broad range of public services organisations, both in Ireland and internationally, to drive service improvement and operational efficiencies through the design and deployment of new business models enabled by digital technology.