Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2021
74. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether credit unions and other financial institutions should be allowed the option of accepting the public services card as one of a number of possible identification documents when opening an account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48414/21]
View answerSince 1998, when legislative provision was first made for the PSC, it was always intended that it would be used widely across the public service to assist people in their dealings with public sector bodies. The list of public bodies that are authorised to use the PSC is set out in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
Credit unions and other financial institutions are not specified bodies for the purposes of the PSC, so it is not possible for a person to offer their PSC as proof of identity for this purpose.
There are no plans to amend legislation to allow for the use of the PSC by non-public sector bodies.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
