Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the way in which a person applying for permission to remain here on the basis of being the spouse of an Irish national would obtain a PPS number; the process involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25855/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Details relating to the specific documents required and the location of PPS number allocation centres are available on the Department’s website atwww.welfare.ie, from Departmental Intreo and branch offices, and from Citizen’s Information Centres.

I hope that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.