Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----the Central Bank of Ireland published the latest report on the progress that has been made in mortgage arrears. Contrary to what the Deputy said a moment ago, in many different areas we are making progress, but of course we always have to make more progress and have to deliver more. I am committed to playing my part in so doing.

I appreciate the support the Deputy has offered, on an ongoing basis, to this project, given the fact that as Minister for Social Protection, in the various social welfare Acts that she passed, the role of this card was recognised. We are dealing with matters of concern for the public, and that is why we have tried to communicate what the benefits are. At a time when there are such legitimate concerns about how we protect our digital identity and make sure information that people share is securely protected I would have thought that the rationale for the public services card has actually grown rather than been diminished.

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