Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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513. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which a person can acquire a public services card at present. [14169/20]

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 is currently resuming SAFE registration work on a phased basis in Intreo Centres 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 registrations will be resumed nationwide over the coming weeks.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.