A new record has been set for the number of Irish passports being issued.

There has been a 7 % increase in the number of people issued with passports this year compared with 2018, with over 900,000 people getting passports.

During peak times, more than 5,800 applications were put in from around the world in a single day.

Meanwhile, total monthly applications surpassed 100,000 in January, March, April, and May.

More than 94,000 first-time applications were received from people born in Northern Ireland or Great Britain.

The oldest applicant for an Irish passport was 101, while the youngest was just five days old.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: "The Irish passport is a valuable document and we continue to strengthen all processes to prevent fraud and maintain its integrity and security.

“As we approach 2020, I would remind all prospective travellers check the validity of their passport before booking a trip overseas.

"If you need to renew your passport, I encourage you to do so online and in the off-peak period, to ensure the shortest possible renewal time."

The passport stats also reveal the most popular names for babies - Grace, Emily and Anna for girls, and Jack, James and Noah for boys.