Public Services Card

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Questions (1169)

Marian Harkin

Question:

1169. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a delay with the reissuing of public services cards and free travel cards in view of the importance of free travel, for example to persons undergoing various medical treatments; the timeframe for rectifying this situation; if the delay in reissuing the cards also has an effect on the household benefits package for qualified recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3480/20]

Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Regina Doherty)

My Department writes to all Public Services Card (PSC) holders, including those entitled to Free Travel, 90 days before their Card expires, inviting them to renew their Card. Customers are offered a choice of renewing by post or by attending an office of the Department.

Where a customer applies to have their PSC renewed, the new Card issues a few days before the old card expires.   

If the customer does not apply for a new PSC before the old Card expires, they are advised to go to an office of the Department to renew their Card. In such cases, the new PSC typically takes 5 -7 working days to issue.

Any delay arising as a result of a late application for a renewal has no effect on a customer’s entitlement to household benefits.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.