Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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116. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of public services cards that have been issued to date; the number awaiting to be issued; if he will ensure that all public services cards will be issued in a timely manner in order that there will be no delay for those applying for a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25614/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The number of Public Services Cards (PSC) issued to date is approx. 2.6 million.

The number of PSCs currently going through the system is approx. 10,000.

It typically takes about fifteen minutes for a person to register and authenticate their identity to get a PSC. There are 100 registration locations nationwide. For the majority of these a person can book an appointment within 24 hours or, providing they have the relevant documentation, they can be dealt with on a walk-in basis. It takes 5-7 working days for a person to receive their PSC in the post once they complete the registration process.

New adult passport applicants are already required to have a PSC. This requirement is being extended to persons renewing their passport from later this year. People who need a PSC to renew their passport should seek to register for one well in advance of their passport renewal so as to minimise the potential for delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.