Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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389. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the engagement that her Department has had with disability groups in relation to developing the online public services card system given that some disabilities can affect public services card photographs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44854/22]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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390. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her Department’s plans, if any, to make the public services card application and renewal process more disability-friendly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44855/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 390 together.

My Department has introduced an online service which allows people with verified MyGovID accounts to renew their Public Services Cards (PSCs) through the MyWelfare.ie service without having to attend an appointment in one of our offices.

Clients are requested to submit a passport quality photograph which must be verified to ensure it meets certain minimum standards before the application can be accepted. This verification is carried out to ensure the photograph complies with standards similar to those required when applying for a passport.

Where any person, for whatever reason, encounters difficulties in submitting a compliant photograph, staff of my Department deal directly with that customer to ensure they receive their new PSC.

My Department has always provided a multi-channel approach to service provision and any persons who experience difficulties renewing their PSC online can arrange an appointment to have their photograph taken at one of our offices.

My Department continues to review its channels for delivery of its services for all people, including those with special requirements.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.