Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 17, between lines 35 and 36, to insert the following:"(6) Recipients of any Public Services Card shall not be subject to a charge for the issue of such card.".".

This amendment relates to the new identification requirements. My understanding is that in extending these requirements to all social welfare payments, the cost of rolling out the public services card will be €24 million. The Minister has indicated that the Department is finalising plans for a national roll-out of the new system on a phased basis. My concern is that welfare recipients could be asked to bear the cost of introducing these new arrangements. Will the Minister clarify the position in this regard?