Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this important issue. Problems have arisen with it and people are concerned. I am aware of the case of a young man aged 17 who had all his documentation, had completed his theory test and was entitled to his licence but was sent home because he did not have proof of address, such as an ESB bill, and neither did he have proof of his PPS number. I was outraged by that but it was in keeping with the rules and regulations.

Senator O'Keeffe inquired about the cost. I will ask the Department to respond to her on the three issues she raised, including, in the next few days, the one relating to the cost. The Senator is correct that fraud was a serious issue. I am unaware of whether the system will be adopted in the Passport Office. We have had serious incidents with passports.

Senator O'Keeffe also asked another important question. I agree with her point about local post offices. An Post made an application but in the case of a tender process neither the Minister nor the Department can have any hand, act or part, and rightly so. Local authorities could have made an application but they did not. It was open to any body to make an application for the service. It is necessary to comply with EU regulations on safety and security. We are aware of social welfare fraud and the savings that have been made due to tackling the issue. I welcome anything that prevents fraud in this country. The benefit is that one photograph will be sufficient for a lifetime. One could ask whether we will all still look the same as we do today in 20 years' time or 30 years' time, but they are the rules and regulations and we must adhere to them. The photograph will be secure and nobody else will be able to use it, which is good. I hope it works. I will ask the Department to answer as many of Senator O'Keeffe's queries as possible.