Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 April 2019

Wednesday, 3 April 2019

Questions (165)

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

165. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce proof of disability as a form of identification (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15566/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

This issue is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. However, I understand that that Department does not currently have plans to introduce proof of Disability Allowance card.  The Department has responsibility for the Public Services Card (PSC). In this regard, the PSC is designed to replace other cards within the public sector - such as the free travel pass and the social services card of this Department - and to make it easier for providers of public services to verify the identity of customers. The issues raised by the Deputy are acknowledged but it is not the intention to introduce a specific proof of disability card.