The Public Services Card (PSC) enables individuals to 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. A PSC is currently issued following a registration process which involves the verification of the person's identity, the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of data already held by the Department.
The document requirements to prove identity depend on the nationality of the person concerned. EEA nationals must provide a current valid National ID card or passport. Persons from outside the EEA must provide a current valid passport. More information is available on the Department's website here:
http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Public-Services-Card_holder.aspx
My Department understands that the passport for the person concerned is currently held by the Repatriation Unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service while her continued presence in the State is being considered under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. As soon as she is in a position to produce her passport as proof of identity, the allocation of a PSC to her can be considered.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.