Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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594. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if provisions are to be implemented for persons entitled to a free travel pass; if she will review the case of a person (details supplied). [18321/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The SAFE registration process, which my Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face to face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC).   For those entitled to Free Travel, their PSC bears a Free Travel token,  which they can use when travelling on public transport services.  

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 get one, including the person concerned who requires a PSC Free Travel Variant to avail of their Free Travel entitlement. 

My Department is currently resuming SAFE registration work in Intreo Centres and this is being done in accordance with all relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff.  It is expected that SAFE registrations will re-commence countrywide over the coming weeks and further information will then be made available as to how appointments can be arranged.  The delay in SAFE registration does not mean that a person has lost their Free Travel entitlement.  

If the person concerned has an urgent need, they should contact my Department’s Free Travel Section directly.  They can do this by sending an email to freetravelqueries@welfare.ie or by telephoning (071) 915 710, where urgent requests are being dealt with on a case by case basis.   

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.