Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy regarding what he has said. As he is aware, the Department of Social Protection suspended the issuing of letters to customers whose public service cards, PSCs, were due to expire from 20 March because of the closure of the Department's offices under the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. However, an agreement with the National Transport authority, NTA, and transport providers is in place to ensure acceptance of expired cards in the interim for those availing of free travel. The Department has since introduced a telephone service whereby a person can have the validity period of their PSC extended by three years by calling an office of the Department or 1890 927 999.

In addition, the Department has recently introduced an online PSC renewal service, which is available via www.mywelfare.ie. PSC appointments have resumed in Intreo centres and branch offices since 17 May and an average of 1,000 appointments are being held each day. Additional resources have been assigned to this work to increase capacity. The Department is currently updating relevant communications to take account of new self-service options and intends recommencing notification of customers when the modifications have been completed. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter and I will liaise with him to pursue it.

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