Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Services Card.

Seán Haughey

Question:

168 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason he introduced the social services card for all social welfare claimants; the legal provisions which allow for its introduction; if exemptions can be made for claimants who object to the principle of the scheme without jeopardising their benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [216/94]

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The introduction of the social services card is part of my strategy for modernising the administration of social welfare services and providing a better service for customers. To date nearly 700,000 customers have received their social services cards.

The new card which is made of plastic and has an encoded magnetic stripe replaces the cardboard "registration card" which was formerly issued to customers to notify them of their RSI number. The RSI number is printed on the front of the social services card and is also encoded in the magnetic stripe. The legal provision for allocating and issuing the RSI number is contained in section 223 of the Social Welfare Act, 1993.

The new card is also replacing the "signing card" which has been in use over the years at local offices of my Department. At present, for example, customers who collect their unemployment payments at post offices, are required to use the new card.

The social service card is a vital element in the modernisation of our delivery services and I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances it would not be feasible to make exemptions. I would like to add that reaction to the card has been extremely positive.