Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 48: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps which have been taken to establish a multi-agency taskforce to deal with identity fraud in view of increased levels of bogus personal public service numbers to claim welfare benefits or bypass the work permit system. [4680/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since my Department assumed direct responsibility for the allocation of PPS numbers in 2000, we put in place and have continuously improved operational structures and processes. Allocation of the PPS number as an identity reference number is dependent on the production of sufficient evidence to establish the uniqueness and integrity of the identity. Procedures at registration and supporting structures have concentrated on supporting the detection of false evidence and bogus identities. The Department is aware of the concerns about identity fraud and the need for a robust control system to address these concerns but is not aware of high levels of fraud involving bogus PPS numbers.

Identity fraud is an issue which has the potential to affect a wide range of public sector agencies. My Department recognises that an efficient and effective response to the issue requires a multi-agency approach. To this end, staff in my Department are in constant contact with the appropriate external agencies, including Revenue, the Garda national immigration bureau, GNIB, and, as required, with authorities in other countries. Formal co-operation procedures are in place with the GNIB and relevant information is shared in accordance with legislative provisions. A member of my staff is on secondment to the GNIB to further enhance the co-operation between the two bodies. In addition, staff from my Department participate in a working group, set up within the Revenue Commissioners, tasked with reporting on the issue of identity fraud and the misuse of PPS numbers.

My Department has a dedicated section dealing with identity fraud in relation to PPS number allocations. Staff in this section have received training in the area of document fraud from a number of sources, including the relevant issuing authorities, via their embassies, and from the GNIB. This allows the section to operate a full-time help desk facility for front line staff and to provide training and support to them.

Equipment has been installed in each of my Department's local and branch offices to assist in the identification of forged or altered documentation. In addition, plans are advanced to consolidate the number of offices allocating PPS numbers to one per county and this will allow for increased co-ordination and will facilitate enhanced control measures. My Department also plans to expand the role of the inspectorate in this work, in order to increase its focus on the issue of hijacked and bogus identities, as well as improving the support to local offices at registration.