Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the process for a person with a disability to renew their public services card if they can make an appointment in their local Intreo office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10352/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There are three ways of extending or renewing an expired Public Services Card (PSC).

Firstly, customers can arrange an appointment to have their PSC renewed at one of the Department’s Intreo Offices. In accordance with section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005, my Department has appointed Access Officers who 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 on the grounds of disability 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 the necessary arrangements.

Secondly, my Department has introduced an online service which allows customers with verified MyGovID accounts to renew their PSCs online at MyWelfare.ie. Customers 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.

Finally, an expired PSC can be extended for three years by calling my Department at 0818 837000.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.