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Public Services Card

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

Questions (1063, 1066, 1069)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1063. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons issued with a public services card before they were 18 years of age since the card was introduced; the process of issuing a card to a minor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44811/19]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

1066. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of a process that results in a person being posted a public services card on his or her 18th birthday; the extent and geography of the way in which this occurs; the way in which it complies with consent and dealing with a minor; the way in which such persons are identified by her Department; the way in which this conforms to SAFE 2 and GDPR; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44826/19]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

1069. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is policy to issue persons with a public services card when they reach 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44871/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1063, 1066 and 1069 together.

My Department does not have a policy to issue a Public Services Card (PSC) when a person reaches the age of 18 years.

In cases where a person applied for and was issued a PSC before the age of 18, a new card issues when they turn 18.

If a person under the age of 18 presents for SAFE registration, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to be SAFE registered. The parent/guardian must complete the relevant registration form.

I am advised that the number of PSCs issued to people under the age of 18 years to date is 137,839. Of these, 66,162 have now reached the age of 18 years and have been issued with a new card.

It should be noted that disability allowance is payable from the age of 16, where a person satisfies the relevant qualifying conditions. Customers in receipt of this payment have an entitlement to Free Travel and, accordingly, they need a PSC to access this entitlement. Customers who choose to collect their social welfare payments in post offices also require a PSC to access their payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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