Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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45. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that possession of a public services card will not be made obligatory to obtain a driver’s licence or learner’s permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12109/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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A public services card (PSC) is only required when applying for or renewing a learner permit or driving licence online. The PSC is used to confirm a person’s identity and image in place of face-to-face verification. The Road Safety Authority is recognised as a specified body for the use of a PSC under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended by the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2009).

When applying for a driving licence, a person can verify their identity in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) front office. NDLS offices are open to the public, but an appointment must be made to attend. It is no longer possible to attend an office without an appointment. Appointments can be made online or by telephone. A public services card is not needed to book an appointment.