Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not propose to accept the amendment. This is because it would change the requirement of persons presenting for a payment in a social welfare capacity, in respect of themselves or another person, to have identified themselves or authenticated their identity by using a public services card. The Data Protection Commission finds that there is an entirely robust and legal basis for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to make it a requirement in order to access social welfare payments, though it is neither here nor there whether we call it mandatory or compulsory. On that basis, we will not be removing the practice, which we have employed and enjoyed for the past number of years.