Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will address the last aspect first. Six Governments have been in office since the concept of the public services card came to fruition and almost 3 million cards have been issued to date. As a Government, we are conscious that we want to ensure there will be a single point of entry for those accessing services. We collect the information once, maximise the opportunities to avail of it and continue to roll out the card. As the Deputy will have seen recently, we have further plans in that regard. The card is in complete compliance in the use of the Standard Authentication Framework Environment, SAFE II, and MyGovID. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will have €19.1 million to cover the cost involved.

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