“The situation regarding passport applications here has become ridiculous. People are being prevented from travelling abroad which is completely intolerable, regardless of the ongoing industrial action.

“The Minister cannot simply shrug his shoulders at the problem. He can and should negotiate an emergency mechanism with other EU members States, through the European Council, whereby those with passports that are out of date since the beginning of 2010, can at least travel within the EU. This would address directly the bind in which many frustrated Irish citizens find themselves. Doing nothing”