passport into ireland in 1989!?

[CowMad1981]

Ok odd question, but Im applying for my first passport at the grand old age of 28!! I dont know any of my family details as I don't speak to any of them so its a bit of a struggle, its asking if I have ever been included in a passport or had one before. well I went to ireland in 1989, would a passport have been required back then or is it a recent thing?
thanks