The waiting time for first-time applications, which take the longest to process, has been cut from 40 to 25 working days, the Minister said, adding that the department has “effectively doubled” the number of passport office personnel. He said the office has a new arrangement with An Garda Síochána to fast-track the verification processes to cut delays, and more people have been assigned to take helpline calls. Eoghan Corry, travel and aviation journalist joined Pat to discuss VIPs who are no longer welcome at Dublin airport and if more manpower will solve the passport backlog?