Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2018
701. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person requires a passport to obtain a public services card but then needs a public services card in order to renew a passport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10003/18]
View answerA person does not need a passport to obtain a public services card and, in certain instances, a person may not hold a passport. While Irish citizens are asked to bring their passport or driving licence, a SAFE registration may proceed where these are not presented. In such cases, a supervisor interview takes place in order to verify the person's identity using the data already held by the Department.
Taken individually, neither a passport, nor a driver’s license is enough to validate a person’s identity to SAFE level 2. However, in combination, and with the other data and processes, passports and driving licences can be used in order to verify an identity to SAFE 2 level.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
