Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2770. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to allow credit union members and customers to use their public services card as proof of identification or PPSN confirmation under section 263(4) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33505/19]
View answerUnder current legislation, a Public Services Card (PSC) cannot be requested by any public or private body or person that is not designated as a specified body in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). The PSC can only be used by public bodies specified in this legislation when conducting a public transaction with the person concerned.
One of the provisions set out in Section 5 of the Social Welfare, Pensions, and Civil Registration Bill 2017 would, if enacted, enable citizens to volunteer their PSC where they wish to use it as a form of proof of identity and/or age. However, it is important to note that a non-specified body could not request or demand the production of a PSC. If passed, it simply gives individuals the option to use their PSC if they wish, as proof of identity and/or age, in transactions with non-specified bodies.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
