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Public Services Card Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Questions (58)

Mick Wallace

Question:

58. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has responded to the draft report and request of the Data Protection Commission for further information on the processing of personal data in connection with the public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53441/18]

View answer

Written answers

The purpose of our identity registration process, known as SAFE 2, is to verify a person’s identity to a substantial level of assurance. This is a necessary step when providing access to valuable state services including the income supports provided by my Department.

A Public Service Card (PSC) can issue when a person's identity is verified to SAFE 2 standard.

In addition to acting as a token that their identity has been verified to SAFE2 standard, possession of a Public Services Card (PSC) enables individuals to gain access to public services, for example free travel 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 Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has initiated an investigation to assess the legal basis for SAFE 2 registration and provided a draft report on the PSC to my Department in late August 2018. The draft report requested further information and clarifications on a broad range of areas. The DPC asked that we not disclose the draft report to any other party and we have respected that request.

The Department provided a comprehensive response to the DPC’s draft report on 30th November 2018 and we now await its response.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 52.
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