Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
808. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider automatically extending public services cards for people over 80 years of age who have physical and medical difficulties and find the renewal process of having to physically present at their local office to renew their card onerous; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12528/23]
View answerThe photograph on Public Services Cards (PSC) must be renewed every 10 years to ensure the efficacy and reliability of the PSC as proof of identity, as is the case with other photo IDs such as passports and driving licences. This 10-year standard is in line with internationally agreed guidelines on photo IDs.
Anyone who has a PSC can extend or renew their expired card in one of three ways.
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 from date of expiry by calling my Department at 0818 837000.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
