Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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474. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received for a PPS number in 2021 and 2022; the number approved and processed in each year; the number refused in each year, and the number currently being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3963/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number) is issued either automatically when a birth is registered or when a person applies for a PPS Number.

I can confirm that in 2021, my Department allocated 117,000 PPS Numbers and in 2022 that number increased to 249,000.  This is an increase of 132,000 or 113% over the 2021 figure.

The reasons for this increase include:

As well as allocating PPS Numbers to those who arrive in the State, my Department also allocates PPS Numbers to people living abroad who need a PPS Number to transact with a public body, for example, for probate reasons, to pay stamp duty, etc. 

The total number of PPS Number applications on hand nationally is currently 14,300.  On average, it is now taking about one month to issue a PPSN on application.  Delays can occur where incomplete applications are submitted or there are problems with the quality of documents provided.  The processing of applications is kept under weekly review.  Where necessary, additional resources are allocated to address backlogs taking account of other work pressures.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.