Written answers
Tuesday, 7 December 2021
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Public Services Card
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the backlog that has developed in issuing public services cards which require public attendance; the current waiting time; and the measures are being taken to end same. [60521/21]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The SAFE registration process, which involves the authentication of a person's identity in a face-to-face interview, results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC), which can be used as proof of identity when accessing public services.
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department temporarily suspended the SAFE registration process and the centralised online appointment system used to manage those interviews. This decision was taken in order to comply with HSE and World Health Organisation guidelines in respect of social distancing thus ensuring a reduced footfall in our offices, to protect the health and wellbeing of our customers and staff.
SAFE registrations resumed in May this year and my Department carries out an average of 1,000 PSC appointments each day, across its nationwide office network.
My Department's capacity to accommodate these interviews is lower than was the case pre-pandemic, due to the social distancing measures that are applied to protect customers and staff.
Requests for appointments are dealt with at a local level across the Department's network of offices. In most parts of the country, appointments are available within a number of days. Offices based in large urban areas are facing higher demand. In the majority of these offices the waiting time for a PSC appointment is between 1 and 4 weeks.
Urgent requests for a PSC appointment are dealt with on a local basis, and any person who requires a PSC should contact their local INTREO Centre where an appointment will be made for them at the earliest opportunity.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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