Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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9. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if personal public service numbers will be required by her Department to administer the €100 payment in respect of water charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44691/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The PPS Number is a unique identifier established by legislation for accessing specific public services. At the core of the PPS Number is the idea that it is a device to assist in and enhance the efficiency of, the provision of public services to members of the public.

The legal basis of the PPS Number and its use is contained in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). Only bodies specified in statute or their agents can use the PPS Number. Section 262 of the Act allows the PPS Number to be used by a specified body in certain limited ways in the course of a “transaction” with a member of the public. In line with its role as a ‘specified body’ the Department of Social Protection utilises the PPS Number, where appropriate, in the delivery of services to the public. This will include the administration of the €100 water conservation grant payment.