Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action his Department has taken to improve the allocation of PPS numbers and any further proposals he may have in this area. [12185/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department assumed responsibility for the allocation of PPS Numbers in June 2000. Because the PPS Number is a unique identifier for access to services provided by Government Departments and other public bodies it is essential to have effective controls around the PPS Number registration process. Controls, which are evaluated on an ongoing basis, are exercised at both the initial allocation stage and at subsequent stages in the lifecycle of the number.

In the case of children born in Ireland a PPS Number is automatically issued. In other cases application must be made in person at one of the Department's network of Local Offices. PPS Numbers are issued following a controlled allocation procedure, involving;

a personal attendance at the office,

the completion of a written application form,

the submission of appropriate identity documents proving identity and address.

Proof and evidence of identity is a vital element of the allocation process.

In order to ensure that a person receives only one number and that the number is allocated on information that is accurate and verified, certain operational procedures are prescribed for local office personnel when dealing with applications. These operational guidelines are regularly revised and updated with the latest revision taking place in February 2008.

Other initiatives designed to improve the PPS Number registration process began in 2007 and it is hoped these will be completed by September 2008. In particular, a reduction in the number of PPS Number allocation centres from 128 to 28 will permit the concentration of expertise in document examination and authentication. Also an organisational review of the registration process is currently underway and should also be completed by September 2008. Tougher legislative measures introduced in the Social Welfare Act 2007, allowing the retention of proof of identity documentation, should also significantly enhance the Department's ability to detect and control identity fraud.