New passports for European member states will have a common look and format.
Ireland will be one of the first countries to use the new burgundy coloured EEC passport, along with Italy and Denmark.
The new passport will be first issued in Ireland on 1 January 1985, as part of a European member states resolution. The old green Irish passport will remain valid until its expiry date. The new passport will cost the same as the old one at thirty pounds. It contains more security features with sealed plastic coverings over all identity details.
The new burgundy passport represents a common colour for European community member states. However, views on the change of colour are mixed with many believing that green represents the national colour of Ireland. Others welcome the smaller size of the new passport.
I rather like the green there because well it's our national colour and sort of gives that little bit of uniqueness.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 November 1984. The reporter is Mary Fanning.
