Written answers

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Public Services Card

Photo of Alan FarrellAlan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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458. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if additional resources will be allocated to accommodate the clearance of backlogged public services card appointments following the Covid-19-related shut down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16629/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather 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).

At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken 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 make an appointment to get one.

My Department is currently resuming SAFE registration work in Intreo Centres and this will be done in accordance with all relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff. I would expect that SAFE registrations will re-commence nationwide over the coming weeks and further information will then be made available as to how appointments can be arranged.

It is important to note that my Department has continued to allocate Personal Public Service Numbers to people who have required them over the past number of months.

While I do not expect the resumption of SAFE registrations to require the allocation of additional resources, this matter will be kept under review.

In the meantime, anyone who has lost their PSC may contact the Department and a replacement will be issued. Where the Department has written to a person inviting them to renew their PSC, they may do so by post or alternatively they can contact my Department and a new card can be issued for a three year period.

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.

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