Catherine Murphy
Question:237. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied) in relation to the renewal of their PSC. [45978/23]
View answerThursday, 19 October 2023
Questions (237)
Written answers
The person concerned attended my Department’s Newbridge Intreo Centre on 16 October 2023 to renew their Public Services Card (PSC). A new card will issue within the next 10 days to their home address.
The PSC online renewal service requires customers to provide a photograph which has been taken in the last six months and is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. The service was introduced to facilitate renewals during the public health restrictions related to the Covid 19 pandemic, and complements the in-person PSC renewal service. The in-person renewal service does not encounter difficulties with photograph quality due to the appropriate standard of camera and lighting equipment available on site. My Department is aware that some customers using the online renewal service have experienced difficulties when submitting their photograph. Work to improve the photograph acceptance process for customers who opt to use the online service is planned.
My Department is currently experiencing high levels of demand for Public Service Cards and PSC renewals. In general, customers are dealt with on a walk in basis to allow the maximum use of available resources.
Where a customer with a disability, or a difficulty queuing, wishes to avail of a walk-in PSC service, they can request an appointment outside of the busy walk-in hours by contacting the Access Officer at their local Intreo/PSC Centre.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.