Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
744. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the process for persons renewing the public services card; if the process has changed due to Covid-19; the measures in place for persons in cases in which their card has expired; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22222/20]
View answerPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals whose Public Services Cards (PSCs) were expiring in the following three months were written to by the Department advising them that they could renew their PSC by attending an office of the Department and having a new photograph taken, or by applying for a renewal by post, by sending a passport-size photograph.
In the context of the Covid19 pandemic, this practice ceased at the beginning of March, to ensure compliance with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing in our offices.
My Department has since introduced a new service whereby a person whose PSC is expiring can call 1890 837 000 and a new PSC - valid for three years from the current expiry date of their Card - will issue to them, carrying the same photograph and information as their current PSC. The issuing of revised reminder letters will resume in due course.
It is also important to note that the National Transport Authority has accepted expired PSCs from people entitled to Free Travel since March this year.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
