Written answers

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Public Services Card

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1118. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of public services cards that have expired and not been automatically replaced in 2021; the efforts being made to reissue these expired cards and reduce the waiting time for those who request a replacement card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39608/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Public Services Card (PSC) is proof that a person has authenticated their identity through the SAFE registration process. My Department does not automatically renew PSCs. This is because a new photograph of the person is required for the renewed card.

My Department is compiling figures on the number of PSCs that have expired and have not been replaced this year and these figures will be forwarded to the Deputy when they are available.

In March 2020, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department closed its offices in accordance with the prevailing public health restrictions. This meant face to face PSC appointments, including PSC renewal appointments, had to be deferred. As a result, automatic invites to those whose PSC was due to expire were suspended, to ensure customers were not directed to attend offices which were closed at that time.

As part of my Department’s response during the pandemic, a facility was introduced whereby a person can have the validity period of their PSC extended by three years, by calling an office of the Department or by calling 1890 927 999. These extended cards, issued on request, use the existing photograph, and do not necessitate attendance at a face-to-face appointment.

More recently, my Department has introduced a new online PSC renewal service, available on MyWelfare.ie.

Since 17 May 2021, PSC appointments have resumed in Intreo Centres and Branch Offices countrywide. An average of 1,000 appointments are held daily and additional resources have been assigned to increase the daily appointment capacity.

Cards renewed through the new MyWelfare service, or by attendance at a PSC renewal appointment, and which use an up to date photograph, are valid for 10 years.

It is important to note that holders of expired free travel PSCs have at all times retained their entitlement to free travel. For this reason, an agreement was put in place with the National Transport Authority and transport service providers, whereby expired free travel cards are accepted for travel on public transport services. Expired PSCs can also continue to be used to collect social welfare payments in Post Offices nationwide, and to verify MyGovID accounts.

Officials in my Department are currently exploring options to automatically replace expired PSCs for a temporary period. This option will be analysed and any risks mitigated before it could be implemented.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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