Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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835. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when face-to-face meetings for the public services card will resume for those applying for SUSI but do not have a card and cannot organise the face-to-face meeting to receive one; if there is an alternative in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13129/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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.  As a result, it has not been possible for those who wish to obtain a PSC to get one.

My Department has been moving towards a resumption of the SAFE registration process on a phased basis in recent weeks and this is being done in accordance with all relevant HSE and Government guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff.  I would expect that SAFE registration will re-commence in all Intreo Centres over the coming weeks. 

While it is not currently possible for a student to obtain a PSC for the purpose of applying for a student grant to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) via a verified MyGovID account, online applications for a grant can still be made by setting up a SUSI account on www.susi.ie.

Any student setting up a SUSI account will need to know their Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number) - this can be found on their Medical Card or GP Visit Card, European Health Insurance Card, Drugs Payment Scheme Card, payslips they may have received from their employer, if they are working, or on correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners or my Department.

Any student who cannot find their PPS Number can contact my Department at 1890 927 999.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.