Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Services Card.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

172 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has received a suggestion from a person (details supplied) in County Dublin concerning the possibility of replacing the signing card with an employment card; if so, the consideration he has given to this suggestion; if he intends to give effect to this or any similar idea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The social services card introduced by my Department last year will replace various cards, including the signing cards, issued by my Department. These new plastic cards are being introduced on a phased basis. At this stage, about 200,000 cards have been issued.

The cards replace the registration cards that were previously issued to people entering the labour force for the first time. In addition with the movement of cash out of social welfare offices the social services cards will replace the signing cards that are currently in use.

The cards, which are designed to full banking standards, are also being used to assist with unemployment payments at post offices where the counter services have been modernised. The new card will facilitate easier and quicker access to Social Welfare, Revenue and related services and it is my intention to issue social services cards to every member of the population over the age of 16 over the next few years.