Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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519. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the work being done by his Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56795/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is responsible for the allocation of Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) to people, including those who are returning emigrants, who require one to access public services or take up employment or education.

The majority of returning emigrants should have a PPSN but if a person has difficulty recalling or locating their original PPSN, they should contact my Department for assistance by sending an email to CIS@welfare.ie, providing their personal details such as previous Irish address or employment details, marital status, and their mother's maiden (birth) name. Alternatively, if the returning emigrant does not have a PPSN, they can apply for a PPSN online at MyWelfare.ie.

In relation to access to social welfare schemes and supports, emigrants who are returning to reside in Ireland have the same entitlement to access as Irish people who already reside in the country.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he can bring it to the attention of my Department by emailing ims@welfare.ie.