Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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533. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the procedure to be followed and criteria applicable when processing applications for personal public service, PPS, numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41017/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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542. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the requirements in relation to the registration for a personal public service, PPS, number; if the same regime applies throughout all social welfare offices throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41050/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 542 together.

The legislation governing the issue of a PPS Number is the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. Sections 262(2) and (2A) provide that –

(2) The Minister may, subject to subsection (2A), allocate and issue a personal public service number to each person who is the subject of any transaction with a specified body.

(2A) The Minister shall not allocate and issue a personal public service number to a person unless the Minister is satisfied as to the identity of the person to whom such number is to be allocated and issued.

Where a person is born in the State, a PPS Number is automatically allocated at the time of birth registration.

Where a person comes to the State and requires a PPS Number, they must attend and apply in person at a PPS Number allocation centre. The required documents for the allocation of a PPS Number in these circumstances are acceptable evidence of identity and acceptable evidence that a PPS Number is required in order to carry out a transaction with a specified body (a State organisation specified in legislation as authorised to use PPS Numbers). In addition, evidence of address is required so that notification of the PPS Number will be received by the person.

As the requirements for PPS Number allocation are laid down in legislation, they apply to all applications irrespective of the office in which they are made.

If the Deputy has a specific case to hand please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Department.