Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

146. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passport applications that have been processed using a public services card as photo ID since the card was introduced; the number of passport applications that have been processed using a form of photo ID other than a PSC since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31558/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since March 29th 2016, the Passport Service has required all first time passport applicants, aged 18 and above, who are resident in Ireland to submit a copy of their Public Services Card with their passport application. The number of first time adult applications received by the Passport Service from applicants resident in Ireland from March 29th 2016 to June 30 2018 was 245,045. In cases where the applicant’s most recent passport has expired by more than 5 years, the new passport application will have the same documentary requirements as a first time passport application. The requirement to submit a copy of the Public Services Card also applies to the small number of adult passport applicants whose passport was issued before 1 January 2005 and which has been reported as lost, stolen or damaged.

The requirement to produce a Public Services Card has been an important step in protecting against fraud and identify theft and in upholding the integrity of the Irish passport.

A copy of the applicant’s Public Service Card is required for applications that fall under the above three categories to be successfully processed in all instances and alternative forms of identification cannot be accepted.