Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
342. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons refused a social welfare payment following their refusal to take part in the new photographic identification card system; her position regarding the welfare of these persons not receiving any payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32203/14]
View answerThe Public Services Card (PSC) has been introduced to enable individuals gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible. The enhanced identity authentication requirements involve applicants having to attend at a designated office in order to provide appropriate documentary evidence and have their photograph and a sample of their signature recorded electronically.
The PSC is designed to replace other cards within the public sector such as the Free Travel Pass and the Social Services Card (SSC) of this Department and to make it easy for providers of public services to verify the identity of customers.
Since the project commenced, 792,000 persons have been registered for a PSC to date, 200,000 of which are the Free Travel variant.
Social welfare legislation provides for the disallowance or disqualification where a person fails to satisfy the Minister as to his or her identity. Where a person fails to comply with such a request within the time specified in the notice, that person can be disqualified for receipt of that payment until such time as he or she complies with this requirement.
Information on the number formally disqualified for refusing to participate in the PSC safe registration process is being compiled by my officials and will be sent to the Deputy shortly. In this context, it should be noted, however, that compliance to date with the PSC process has been extremely high.
Customers are aware that correct identification and documentation will be required by the Department in order to process their claim efficiently. All communication with customers is clear and unambiguous and clearly set out the rights and responsibilities of claimants.
