Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an online system will be made available for application for the public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46445/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face to face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC). Currently, it is not possible for a person who does not already have a PSC to acquire one without attending an in-person appointment.

However, my Department is currently developing an online service to allow qualifying individuals to authenticate their identity and obtain a PSC without having to attend an in-person appointment.

The new online service, following a period of testing, is expected to be made available during the first quarter of 2024.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.