Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Moynihan. Intreo centres manage the front-line delivery of the standard authentication framework environment - the long version of SAFE - registration. This includes registration for public service card issuing and renewal and the processing of applications for personal public service numbers. Demand for these services remains high.

The public service card is a physical token that a person's identity has been authenticated by the Department. It means customers can access a range of public services easily without having to submit identity proofs to different public sector organisations.

The user’s identity is fully authenticated when it is issued so they do not have to give the same information to multiple organisations. It was first introduced in 2011 and was initially rolled out to people getting social welfare payments. There are three Intreo centres and 11 branch offices manned by 26 staff in Cork city and county, offering either a walk-in or an appointment service. We are not experiencing any delays or backlogs in Cork. Any urgent applications or renewals are processed without delay, while for non-urgent applications, an appointment is offered to applicants within a suitable timeframe and before the expiration of their current public service card.

Appointments can be made by email or telephone to any Intreo centre or branch office. After a customer has submitted an application along with the relevant documentation, the public service card will be posted within seven to ten working days. Anyone wishing to renew their card can do so online or at their local Intreo centre or branch office. Details of the Intreo centres and branch offices, how to make an appointment and the documents required for the appointment are all available on Gov.ie.

In Cork city and county there have been 7,310 public service card applications, first time and renewals, for the period 1 January 2024 to 15 February 2024. My Department currently provides an online public service card renewal service, which includes free travel cards, for customers who have a verified MyGovID account. Since the service was launched more than 134,000 customers have renewed their card online, with some 70,000 renewals completed in 2023.

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