Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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483. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures in place to prevent persons accessing social protection services using duplicated personal public service (PPS) numbers; if instances of duplicated PPSNs have been uncovered at any point from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5619/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Verifying a persons identity through the SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) process is an integral part of accessing a social welfare payment or service. In general, if a person does not have a PPSN, the process involves attendance at an Intreo Centre, provision of evidence of identity and capture of the person’s photograph and signature for inclusion on their Public Services Card and the issue of a unique PPSN. In the course of authenticating a person's identity, steps are taken to ensure that a unique record exists for that person. The SAFE framework is in place since 2010.

In addition to the SAFE Registration process, Client Identity Services within my Department has responsibly for maintaining the Public Services Identity (PSI) dataset. The work of CIS involves the correction and amendment of customer records, as appropriate, to ensure the accuracy of information held by my Department and that unique records are held for individuals to prevent the use of duplicate PPSNs.

I trust this clarifies matter for the Deputy.