Gardai have launched a criminal investigation into alleged fraud at the passport office in Dublin.
A man and a woman have been arrested as part of the investigation.
The man has since been released without charge, while the woman remains in Garda custody.
The investigation began Last May, when the Passport Service noticed irregularities in the issuance of two passports at its office on Molesworth Street in Dublin.
The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation was immediately called in and a joint investigation was launched
A criminal inquiry was launched and at around 7 o'clock yesterday morning, a 30 year old man was arrested in Skerries and taken to Balbriggan Garda Station - he was released without charge early this morning and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
Meanwhile, a 30 year old woman was arrested yesterday afternoon in Dublin and taken to Ballymun Garda Station as part of the same investigation - she remains in custody.
In a statement this morning the Department of Foreign Affairs says it takes the issue of passport fraud very seriously and in the last number of years has strengthened measures to identify and prevent potential fraud.
The inquiry has been described as ongoing.
Customer services provided by the Passport Office will not be impacted.
