Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1832. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the implementation of the public services card across the country; if it will become mandatory across all Departments; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37652/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In all, approx. 2.8m Public Services Cards (PSC) have issued since SAFE registration commenced in 2011. 66% of adults resident in the State have now completed registration to SAFE Level 2 (substantial assurance of identity) which is the minimum for issue of a PSC.

SAFE registration facilities are available at over 100 of the Department’s locations nationally, and in at least one location in every county in the State.

With respect to the use of the PSC by other Departments, I have informed by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that “it is not mandatory for residents in Ireland to be SAFE 2 registered, though a growing number of public services that require proof of identity of individuals will be underpinned by the SAFE 2 standard, ensuring services are provided to the correct people in an efficient manner, while protecting their data. The recently published eGovernment Strategy 2017 – 2020, lists a number of public services for which SAFE 2 registration will be required. Others are likely to be listed in the future. The transition plans, including communications, interim arrangements, exceptions, etc., will be worked through by the Departments with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

SAFE 2 offers a standard way of identifying citizens that will reduce the administrative burden both on the service providers and on the citizens accessing the services. The registration process also offers the most robust identity proofing process to protect personal data used within Government. As such it is Government policy that SAFE registration is required for access to all services that require proof of a person’s identity. The SAFE 2 process is essential for Ireland to be aligned with the EC EIDAS legislation, which is a key aspect of the EC eGovernment Action Plan and Digital Single Market Strategy.”

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.