Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
360. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is mandatory to attend a SAFE appointment for the new public services card; if a person does not attend, if this will have negative consequences for the current social protection payment to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20551/16]
View answerThe Public Services Card (PSC) is designed to replace other cards within the public sector such as the social services card and free travel pass and to make it easy for providers of public services to verify the identity of customer. A PSC is issued following a registration process called SAFE, which involves the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of identity data. In most cases, the person attends one of the SAFE registration centres in order to provide the photograph and signature. However, a postal registration process may be available for people who meet certain conditions. In addition, where a person is unable to attend for reasons of illness or frailty, a mobile registration may be carried out.
Details of the registration process and information on the documents which a person should provide are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Public-Services-Card_holder.aspx.
Sections 241 and 247(C) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, require a person, when requested, to verify his or her identity. This process includes the attendance of the person at one of the Department’s offices, the production of required documents, and the capture of a photograph and signature.
Should a person fail or refuse to comply with this, then the legislation provides for either the disallowance of the person’s claim, where it is a new claim, or the disqualification from payment, if it is an existing claim. The circumstances of persons are taken into account, related to their ability to attend and complete the public services card registration process, before a payment is discontinued.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
