Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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652. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the information that the public services card holds; and the information that the public services card has the capacity to hold. [42514/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The data that may be displayed and/or electronically stored on the Public Services Card (PSC) is set out at sections 263 (1A) and section 263 (1B) respectively of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). The following sets out where each data item appears or is stored on the PSC:- the name of the person: Face of PSC and Chip

- the personal public service number (PPSN) of that person: Rear of PSC, Chip, and Magnetic stripe

- a photograph of that person: Face of PSC and Chip

- the signature of that person: Face of the PSC and Chip

- the issue number of the public services card: Rear of the PSC and Chip

- the expiry date of the PSC: Face of the PSC and Chip

- the date of birth of that person: Chip and Magnetic stripe

- the place of birth of that person: Chip

- the sex of that person: Chip and Magnetic stripe

- the nationality of that person: Chip

- all former surnames (if any) of that person: Chip

- all former surnames (if any) of the mother of that person: Chip.

Like all smart cards the PSC has the capacity to hold data in any electronic format and for any purpose. However, as stated above, only data that is provided for in sections 263 (1A) and 263 (1B) can currently be displayed and stored on the card. Any proposal to change this would require amendments to primary legislation.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.