Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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132. To ask the Minister for Social Protection why it is necessary to provide an up-to-date Irish passport with an application under the public services card scheme; why an out-of-date passport, where available, is not acceptable as proof of citizenship, particularly where a welfare recipient has no further need for a passport; if he will meet the cost of acquiring a new passport solely for this purpose; and if there is any other avenue available to a person who no longer holds a valid passport but requires proof of citizenship. [18734/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Public Services Card (PSC) is designed to replace other cards within the public sector such as the social services card and free travel pass and to make it easy for providers of public services to verify the identity of customer. A PSC is issued following a registration process called SAFE, which involves the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of identity data. Details of the registration process and information on the documents which a person should provide are available on the Department’s website at .

Ordinarily, the identity document required for a person who is not an EU citizen is in line with immigration requirements, i.e., a current, valid passport. Out of date documentary evidence is not generally accepted for registration with the exception of Irish and UK passports which may be accepted up to 12 months after their expiry date.

Cases such as that referred to by the Deputy are considered, on a case-by-case basis, by the Department’s Client Identity Services Division, and where it is considered appropriate, they are permitted to proceed through the SAFE registration process. This person’s case can be so considered if the Deputy is willing to provide their details.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.