Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1006. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated timeframe for the reopening of the appointment service for allocating the public services card; the arrangements in place for those requiring a card in the intervening period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8111/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face-to-face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC).

Since the outbreak of the Covid 19 Pandemic, my Department has temporarily suspended the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken in order to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.

The re-introduction of the SAFE registration process will be done on a phased basis and is being co-ordinated at a senior level within my Department. Its re-introduction will be done in accordance with all relevant HSE and Government guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff.

Anyone who has lost their PSC can contact the Department and a replacement will be issued. Where the Department has written to a person inviting them to renew their PSC, they can do so by post. it should also be noted that the National Transport Authority has confirmed that expired Free Travel PSCs will be accepted on public transport for the time being.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.