Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Brady asked if it is mandatory for people using the naturalisation service to have PSCs. It is not. It is mandatory for anybody applying for citizenship to have a PPS number. The only way to get a PPS number in the State is by going through my Department. We are all aware that the Data Protection Commission has said that I do have the legal basis to make people go through the SAFE 2 process. Words matter, and nuances really matter. The statement made by Deputy Brady is incorrect. The card was never mandatory for applicants to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in the context of undergoing the SAFE 2 process. It is only because they need PPS numbers, and for no other reason.

The Deputy is suggesting that I misled this committee. I have not done so, and I ask him to withdraw that slur.