Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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114. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether the collection of biometric data with Safe 2 registration has ceased. [62058/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In July 2021, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) commenced an own volition inquiry into the department’s processing of biometric data in connection with the authentication of identity by way of the SAFE registration process and the issuing of Public Services Cards (PSC). My Department received a copy of the DPC's final decision on 9th June 2025.

The DPC decision does not find that there is no legal provision for the processing involved but that the legal provision that exists is not, in its view, clear and precise enough to satisfy the requirements of GDPR.

During SAFE registration, a photograph of the individual is taken and a biometric template from that photograph is generated. The template created, which is a string of alphanumeric characters, is compared against all other existing templates, to detect and prevent identity fraud. Biometric templates are stored on a secure database and used only by my department's facial image matching system. It should be noted that the DPC did not find any evidence of inadequate technical and organisational security measures and that there are no examples of any person suffering damage or loss as a result of SAFE registration.

The decision has no immediate implications for the processing of this data, or for users of the PSC or MyGovID, or anyone wishing to register or avail of, these services. Anyone who has a PSC can continue to use it as proof of identity, to collect their social welfare payment, to avail of Free Travel, and to set up a verified MyGovID account. An individual’s biometric data is not stored on their PSC and no biometric data is processed when a PSC is used for these purposes.

Following careful consideration of the DPC decision and consultation with the Attorney Generals Office, my department appealed the decision on 7th July 2025. As this matter is before the Courts, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.