Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
411. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if financial statements are always required for social welfare payments, including the medical card and GP visit card schemes; if these schemes can be accessed by persons without a bank account; the safeguarding in place to protect the financial details of those who receive payments through social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21594/23]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection administers Ireland’s social protection system. Customers are required to provide personal data to determine eligibility for relevant payments and benefits. In the case of means tested payments, this often requires supporting documentary evidence of bank accounts to ensure that the Deciding Officer has all the necessary facts relevant to the claim in order to ensure the correct rate of payment is made. Bank accounts are not required to enable persons to access social welfare payments as my Department also facilitates payments through the An Post Network.
My Department operates under a number of Acts which provide that personal data may be legally processed. The main Act is the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. Access to personal data is restricted to those staff members who need the information to carry out their official duties. Personal data may only be shared with other Government Departments and agencies where provided for by law. My Department’s data protection policy is available at www.gov.ie/dsp/privacystatement.
The medical card and GP visit card schemes are administered by the HSE.
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
