Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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664. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which a person (details supplied) in County Cork can obtain a public services card while the person's original passport is being held by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11887/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Public Services Card (PSC) enables individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible. A PSC is currently issued following a registration process which involves the verification of the person's identity, the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of data already held by the Department.

The document requirements to prove identity depend on the nationality of the person concerned. EEA nationals must provide a current valid National ID card or passport. Persons from outside the EEA must provide a current valid passport. More information is available on the Department's website here:

My Department understands that the passport for the person concerned is currently held by the Repatriation Unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service while her continued presence in the State is being considered under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. As soon as she is in a position to produce her passport as proof of identity, the allocation of a PSC to her can be considered.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.