Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

267. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current waiting time for the processing of PPS numbers; and the number of applications currently waiting to be processed. [48947/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a person who required a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) attended an office of my Department for SAFE registration.

The SAFE registration process involves the authentication of a person's identity in a face-to-face interview, and the subsequent issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC).

Face-to-face services were disrupted during 2020 due to the pandemic, and my Department introduced an online application service for PPSN applications. This service was introduced to ensure that those who need a PPSN can have their application dealt with, even in the event of office closures as a result of COVID-19 public health measures.

In May this year SAFE registrations resumed across my Department's network of offices for PSC appointments and certain offices have resumed SAFE registration for PPSN applicants as well as PSC appointments. SAFE registrations for PPSN applicants will resume in all offices following the lifting of public health restrictions.

Prior to the pandemic, my Department processed between 120,000 and 130,000 PPSN applications per year. There are currently in the region of 13,000 PPSN applications which are pending a decision some of which are awaiting further detail and information from the applicant.

However, I can confirm that additional staff have been assigned to deal with PPSN applications, and that this increased capacity is addressing the number of applications currently pending.

As processing is carried out in offices across the country, through both face-to-face SAFE registrations and back office processing of online applications, it is not possible to provide an overall waiting time figure to the Deputy.

I trust this clarifies the matter at this time.