Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa

Witness on Irish Passport Application
I am unsure as to who qualifies as a witness to my Irish Passport Application. The APS2 form says "School Principal", the Irish Embassy website /www.dfa.ie/ says a "Teacher", can either be a witness? I have a personal friend that is a Retired School Principal with the Calgary Board of Education, will that be sufficient even though he is retired? Also, the passport application form asks for the Witness's "Official Stamp"....what if the professional does not have an official "stamp" what should be used in it's place? Thank you for your help. PS This is my first application, my father was born in Northern Ireland.

No feedback on application sent since almost 6 months ago
I sent an application to renew my son's Irish passport since January, and I have not received any response despite all attempts to get one from the Embassy. I am sure all applications are not treated this way, and I really wonder if there is some discrimination going on here?? In any case I really need my documents back (son's bc, certificates, etc). I am appalled at the way I have been treated by the Embassy staff, it is unacceptable. They simply ignore my emails for days, and when they do reply, send a vague response. I can't think of any other embassy in the world where this kind of treatment is acceptable. Unless there are different standards for different people??

i try to contact your office but nobody is answering the phone.pls let me know the best time to contact your office.thanks.

Retirement
Can you send me info related to retiring in Ireland. I am looking at Galway/Mayo area.

Thanks

PASSPORT APPLICATION
I obtained Irish citizenship through Irish born grandparents thus I am recorded in the foreign births entry book. I wish to apply for an Irish passport. I would very much appreciate you forwarding the appropriate application forms in duplicate to the attention of:

Patrick Michael Cudahy
1272 Creekside Drive
Oakville Ontario
L6H 4Y6

Many thanks

Patrick

irish prisoners in ww1
As the 100th anniversary of ww1 is to be commemorated tis year could you tell me who would be interested in postcard size photos of irish soldiers taken prisoner between 1914-18, I have around 60 plus of these postcards showing the prisoners in various activities on their camps,all are in excellent condition

Embassy Staff
Sir, I had cause to ring your embassy today with a query, I live in Spain and I wanted to complement you and your staff for the help I received in a friendly courteous and professional manner. What could have been a problem turned out a very nice experience
Congratulations
Regards
Maggi Bray

Why is it impossible to speak to someone at the embassy?? calls are never returned.
Perhaps the Ambassador needs to implement a system that works or hire more staff to deal with the demands of the office for which he is responsible.

Passport application
Hello there
I have applied for an Irish passport, and I have forgotten how long it takes. If you could give me an idea of the wait time, I would appreciate it. I am leaving Canada on April 4th for a vacation and do not want to be away when it arrives, and no one is here to receive it. Thank you
Cindy Mucklow

Could you pls. inform me as to the Bridge Game & Luncheon, which I understand is a fundraiser, which is held annually in the spring. I belong to a bridge club and the ladies would be interested in attending this year. Pls reply as soon as possible so I can organize this outing.