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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Personal Public Services Number.

Michael Bell

Question:

103 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the proposals his Department has for the greater use of the personal public service number; the plans, if any, for the introduction of a public service card for all citizens; the procedures which will be in place to ensure confidentiality of private information regarding citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10512/00]

In July last year, the Government approved my proposal for an initiative to integrate public services. This initiative – known as REACH – will use the personal public services number and an associated public services card to integrate services to citizens across the whole public service. One of the principal objectives of REACH is to increase the use of the personal public service number – or PPS number – by citizens and public service agencies.

Another important objective is the development of a public services card for use by citizens in accessing public services. Taken together, the personal number and the card will enable the integration of services across agencies and will result in a much better level of service for citizens.

My Department and the Revenue Commissioners have used the RSI number, now called the personal public services number, for many years as a unique personal identifier to help in the administration of tax and social welfare schemes.

Legislative provisions to permit its use across the public service have been introduced under the Social Welfare Acts of 1998 and 2000.

Customers of my Department have used the social services card for many years to draw down payments at post offices and to help in conducting transactions relating to income support schemes.

The public service card will be developed from this base as a multi-purpose card with a wide variety of uses.

The REACH initiative will engage in a wide ranging consultation to establish citizens' requirements for such a card and to decide on its form and the range of its uses. I cannot predict what the outcome of this process will be, but I am particularly concerned that the card will support electronic access to information systems and services, and that it will give the citizen maximum control and security over his or her personal data.

I am also concerned that the citizen will have the maximum level of trust in the new system, especially as to the privacy and protection of personal information. Citizens' personal information required for the administration of public services is protected by law under the provisions of the Data Protection Act. Sharing of personal information by public bodies may take place only with the consent of the individual concerned and where allowed by law.
These safeguards to personal privacy will underpin the development of the modern integrated services envisaged under REACH.
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