Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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564. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the PSC is capable or will be made capable of meeting a requirement of the EU proposal to mandate the fingerprint data held on State-issued ID cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31521/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It is understood that the deputy is referring to a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. The proposal is aimed at strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement.

The Department is aware of the proposed regulation. The Public Services Card (PSC) is not a national identity card; nor does the State operate any such scheme. In the first instance, any requirement for strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens; would be a matter for consideration by Government and all Departments agencies dealing with these matters.

The data that can be stored on the PSC is provided for in Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). This does not incorporate the inclusion of fingerprints. Therefore, any change to this data set, including the inclusion of fingerprints would have to be provided for in legislation by the houses of the Oireachtas.

I trust that this clarifies the deputy’s query.