Written answers

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Personal Public Service Numbers

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason his Department is going the opposite way to the decentralisation trend by restricting the issuing of PPS numbers to one PPS centre per county in view of the fact that in the past people were able to apply for and obtain a PPS number from their local Social Welfare Office; the further reason the PPS application service is being centralised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22397/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department took over sole responsibility for the allocation of PPS numbers in June 2000. At that time and to facilitate customer service, all Local and Branch Offices were delegated the task of allocating these numbers as required. However, due to the significant increases in the detection of identity fraud and misrepresentation of documents my Department, after careful consideration, decided to rationalise the process to one centre per county. This approach was acknowledged by the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office as a step towards improving control.

As centres are established emphasis is placed on specialised training and equipment and the development of expertise for the task of allocating PPS numbers. As a result Departmental officials are becoming more effective in detecting false documentation and bogus applications. Consequently there has been an increase in the number of customers prosecuted for attempting to obtain a PPS number fraudulently. The establishment of these centres is also facilitating the introduction of an improved and more specialised customer service to customers seeking a PPS number.

Acquiring a PPS Number is a once in a lifetime event. The majority of customers complete the transaction in one visit. When applying for a PPS number, customers are asked to complete an application form and to provide documentation to establish their identity and address. They are informed of their PPS number by post within in 10 days. A considerable element of flexibility has been built into the new arrangements which allow customers attend the nearest or most convenient centre to their place of residence. It is also worth noting that for all children born in Ireland, a PPS number is automatically allocated on the registration of the birth with the General Registrars' Office (GRO). This is generally done through the maternity hospitals.

The process of limiting the number of centres for PPS numbers is underway and it is expected that the full rationalisation process will be completed by early 2008.

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