Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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593. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the public service card registration process will resume. [18320/20]

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).

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.

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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.