Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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531. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26269/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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A person’s date of birth is verified during the SAFE registration process which results in a Public Services Card (PSC) being issued. It is not, however, inscribed on the card.

In many instances, holders of the PSC have expressed an interest in having their date of birth inscribed on the card in order to access certain services. To address this, one provision contained in Section 5 of the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Bill 2017 would, if enacted, provide that the cardholder’s date of birth be inscribed on the PSC. This would only occur in circumstances where the cardholder wished to do so and with their consent. This measure is intended to permit the PSC to be used as a means of verifying age.

This measure would be very beneficial to holders of the PSC, in particular those that do not hold a driving licence or passport. One of the main benefits of the PSC is that it is free of charge compared to other State produced documents used for identity purposes.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.