John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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255. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that first time adult applicants for passports, who are requested to present a photocopy of their public services card, PSC, but do not have a PSC can take, in view of the fact that to acquire a PSC a copy of a current passport is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38484/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As of 29 March 2016 all first-time passport applicants aged eighteen and above who are resident in Ireland are required to present a photocopy of their individual Public Services Card (PSC) for identification purposes.

The measure has been important in enhancing protection against fraud and identity theft and in upholding the integrity of the Irish passport. It also ensures that the identity of first-time applicants for Irish passports continues to be verified to a high standard.

First-time adult passport applicants who do not currently have a PSC can obtain one through a secure process of in-person registration via their local Department of Social Protection office. Details of documents needed to complete the PSC registration process and of an online appointment booking service are available via the website .

While the basis for issuing a PSC is a matter for the Department of Social Protection and that department must be satisfied as to the identity of a person applying, it is my understanding that a passport is not the only form of identification that is acceptable.