Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
1018. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which a person that requires a verified MyGovID account can set one up during the current Covid-19 emergency in view of the fact that a person must attend the social welfare office as part of setting up a verified account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8216/20]
View answerTo verify a MyGovID account, a person must have authenticated their identity through the SAFE registration process and also verify their mobile phone number.
By verifying their mobile number, a security code can be sent to them to verify their account. They are also sent a security code to their number each time they use your MyGovID account to access government online services.
The Department has temporarily postponed the SAFE registration service. This decision was taken in order to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.
While the opening hours of Intreo Centres have also been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offices are still open and anyone wishing to verify their mobile phone by calling to an office is able to do so. Many people have done so over recent weeks.
In addition, my Department has introduced alternative methods of verifying mobile phone numbers. Numbers can be verified by calling my Department at LoCall 1890 927 999 or 071 967 2616. Callers are asked certain security questions to verify their identity and their phone number can then be verified by the person dealing with their call.
A person can also verify their number by accessing their basic MyGovID account and entering their mobile phone number. If they hold a driver's licence and have provided their mobile number to the National Driving Licence Service, both numbers are compared and, if they match, the mobile phone number is verified and they can proceed to verify their MyGovID account.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
