Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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265. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the options that are available to a person who cannot go into an Intreo centre to get a public services card due to severe social anxiety; if this person will be allowed to get a photo in a pharmacy similar to a passport application or if there is any other avenue available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59897/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The SAFE registration process, which the Department uses to authenticate identity and issue customers with a Public Services Card (PSC), is carried out in the Department's public offices.

The process involves the taking of a person's photograph with a camera which is integrated with the Department's computer system. Photographs cannot be taken in other locations.

My Department has appointed Access Officers in accordance with section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005. Access Officers are responsible for providing or arranging for, and coordinating, assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities accessing services provided by the offices and generally to act as a point of contact for people with disabilities wishing to access such services.

Any person who has concerns about attending an office of my Department for the reason outlined by the Deputy should contact their local Intreo Centre and ask to speak to the Access Officer. Alternatively, the Deputy can contact the Client Identity Services area of my Department, who will liaise with the relevant Access Officer to make arrangements in this particular case.

I can also advise the Deputy that my Department is currently developing an online application service for persons who do not currently have a Public Services Card and it is expected that this service will be introduced in the third quarter of 2023.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.