Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
937. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the PPSN applications of international students that have recently arrived here will be expedited (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7341/20]
View answer999. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the PPSN applications of international students that have recently arrived here will be expedited in view of the fact that many cases are being refused despite providing valid reasons for applying for a PPSN and in further view of the fact that successful applications are in some cases taking over a month to process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8038/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 937 and 999 together.
My Department has temporarily suspended the face-to-face SAFE/PPSN registration service. This decision was taken in order to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.
As a result of the postponement of the SAFE process, an email and postal service has now been introduced for people who wish to apply for a PPSN.
Email applications can be submitted to ppsn@welfare.ie and postal applications to the Department’s office in Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Staff in that office are currently processing these PPSN applications until such time as the face-to-face process is reinstated.
People who apply for a PPSN are required to provide evidence of their identity, proof of their address and evidence that they require a PPSN to avail of public services in the State. Difficulties in providing such evidence can delay the PPSN application process.
Arrangements are in place for the prioritisation of an application for a PPSN where a person requires one to receive support under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme operated by my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
