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Public Services Card

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Questions (653)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

653. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which a person can obtain a public services card during the Covid-19 pandemic due to restrictions. [9969/20]

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Written answers

The SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face-to-face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC).

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department has temporarily suspended the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken in order to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing. As a result, it has not been possible for those who wish to obtain a Public Services Card (PSC) to get one.

My Department is moving towards a resumption of the SAFE registration process over the coming weeks on a phased basis and this will be done in accordance with all relevant HSE and Government guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff.

In the meantime, anyone who has lost their PSC can contact the Department and a replacement will be issued.

Where the Department has written to a person inviting them to renew their PSC, they can do so by post.

It should also be noted that the National Transport Authority has confirmed that expired Free Travel PSCs will be accepted on public transport for the time being.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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