Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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63. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost and legal status of the public services card to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39595/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Public Services Card (PSC) was provided for in legislation in 1998 when it was introduced alongside the PPS Number to replace the previous Revenue and Social Insurance number (RSI) and the Social Service Card (SSC).  The Attorney General’s Office advises that the legislation underpinning the PSC is clear and provides a strong legal basis for the existing and continued use of the PSC across the public service.

To date, the estimated costs related to SAFE identity authentication and PSC issuance amounts to €67.8 million.

This figure includes an allocation of €36m in respect of staff costs related to the administration of the SAFE process and the administration of Public Services Cards work. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.