Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
318. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that foreign students studying in Ireland wishing to take up employment are waiting months to be issued with PPS numbers in view of the fact that Ukrainians are issued with PPS numbers straight away once they arrive in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18904/22]
View answerA Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) may be required for various reasons, not just employment, and a person is entitled to apply to my Department for a PPSN when they require one in order to transact with a public service body.Students, including those who travel to Ireland for their education, generally require a PPSN in order to enrol or register for a course with an educational institution.Should any student then decide to take up employment, they must advise their employer of their PPSN so they can pay any tax and social insurance, arising out of that employment, to the Revenue Commissioners.I am happy to advise the Deputy that it is not currently the case that a PPSN application may take a period of months to be processed. If the Deputy is aware of any individual case where an applicant is waiting that long, I would ask that he forward the details of the case to my Department and it will be examined.My Department has put in place arrangements to expedite the allocation of PPSNs to those arriving in the State under the Temporary Protection Directive. In doing so, my Department is not only playing its part in ensuring that Ireland fulfils its obligations under EU law, but also ensuring those seeking this protection can avail of other vital public services.
Unlike many others who come to this State for education, employment and other reasons, the vast majority of those seeking temporary protection are totally dependent on this State for their housing, medical, education and income support needs. Given the numbers of arrivals experienced to date, it is right and proper that special arrangements be put in place to ensure we as a country can meet those needs, and I am proud of the flexibility and dedication to customer service and public service that the staff of my Department has shown in this regard.
