Up to 25,000 people in Ireland's north will be issued with Irish passports this year, it has emerged.

Over 40 post offices across the border will process the service.

Irish pensioners across Ireland's north already get free passports after Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern announced a waiver scheme in August for all citizens over 65.

Mr Ahern said today: "This year 25,000 people in Northern Ireland will avail of our new Automated Passport System through a network of 40 post offices.

"The €27.7m system fully meets all international specifications and is widely regarded as one of the most secure in the world today."

Up to 650,000 Irish passports in total will be issued this year resulting in €33m in revenue.

Very good news. The Irish nation is alive and well. The border's attempt to segregate Irish from Irish has failed.

# posted by United Irelander @ 12:05 AM