The Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number) is an individual’s unique reference number for all dealings with Government Departments and public bodies.
Before the introduction of the PPS Number (previously Revenue and Social Insurance Number), an Insurance Number was used to record an individual’s Social Insurance contributions.
In the case of the person referred to by the Deputy, no PPS Number exists. However, an old Insurance Number has been traced for him. Any contribution details recorded under this number are being identified and the Bereavement Grant section of the Department will be in contact with his representatives in due course.