John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to extend the number and category of bodies and associated timeframe that may be permitted to request the public services card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38891/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Public Services Card (PSC), and its online counterpart MyGovID, are based on the Government wide SAFE standard for establishing an individual's identity. This standard, along with the PSC and MyGovID, combine to provide the Government with a consistent and robust method of protecting personal data while delivering public services in an efficient and effective manner.

"Specified bodies" as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, are permitted to request and use the PSC, and there are no plans in place to extend the number of bodies who can use this card.

During 2017 and over the course of this year, my Department and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have worked with a number of specified bodies to integrate the PSC and MyGovID, into their processes in order to improve access to and the security of public services. Currently, the PSC and MyGovID underpin access to social welfare entitlements, first time adult passport applications, citizenship applications, Revenue services, SUSI grants, driving licence and driver theory test applications.

During the rest of this year and 2019, access to more public services will be underpinned by the PSC and MyGovID. My Department along with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is engaging with the relevant Departments to assist with the transition of services in line with the schedule set out in the eGovernment Strategy 2017-2020.

Further information, including a detailed list of services currently supported, and services planned to be supported by the PSC and MyGovID, is available at: .