Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
700. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which an Irish citizen in receipt of a State pension but living abroad can apply for a public services card if they do not have an address here. [39425/17]
View answerA Public Services Card may be issued to an individual who has successfully authenticated their identity to SAFE Level 2 (substantial level of assurance). Roll-out of the SAFE registration programme commenced in 2011 and initial concentration has been on individuals who are resident in Ireland or otherwise have a requirement for SAFE registration (e.g. residents of Northern Ireland who require a PPSN for purposes of employment in Ireland).
Face-to-face SAFE 2 registration, which involves the capture of an individual's photograph and signature and the verification of identity data already held by the Department, is taking place countrywide in 100 offices of the Department. Online self-scheduling via www.mywelfare.ie is available and walk-ins are also welcome.
The Department is not requesting people living abroad and in receipt of a State Pension to be registered to SAFE level 2 or to have a Public Services Card in this phase of the roll-out programme. Accordingly, the current methods of undertaking SAFE Level 2 registration do not facilitate such individuals while they are abroad. The general issue of facilitating non-residents will be dealt with in later phases of the roll-out programme in conjunction with other Departments/Offices with similar requirements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
