The new Irish passport card is now available, which will allow people to travel to 30 European countries using it.
It will allow Irish citizens to travel within all countries of the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) - but the passport book must be used for all other foreign travel, including to the United States.
Adult citizens who already have a valid Irish passport book are eligible to apply for the card - which is designed to fit into any wallet or purse.
The card has a maximum validity of five years, or the remaining validity of your passport book.
The application fee is €35, plus a credit card transaction cost.
Applications will be received online through the Department of Foreign Affairs website - or through an app for smart phones and tablets.
The Passport Service says it has the capacity to process 3,000 passport card applications per week, and that - depending on demand - it is estimated applications will be processed within 20 to 25 working days.
Speaking at the announcement, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "I am delighted to announce that applications for the new passport card can be submitted on-line from today through my Department's website and also through a new mobile app which has been specifically designed for the purpose".
"The introduction of the passport card is a significant innovation that will enhance the travel experience for Irish people as they go on holidays or business trips to 30 countries throughout Europe. Citizens who apply will need to have a valid passport book already but they will be able to use the passport card alone for travelling to such popular destinations as Spain, France and Italy".
He says you can also use your own camera to take your passport photo.
The passport card is valid for entry into the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- UK
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
