Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
742. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department has declined to issue a PPSN to a person (details supplied) given they are an Irish citizen and have been living in Ireland since December 2022, who requires same to access a number of services; if their application will be reviewed with a view to issuing the number as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12161/24]
View answerA Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps a person access social welfare benefits and public services in Ireland. To get a PPS Number, a person must provide evidence of their identity, why they need a PPS Number and their address.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for a PPS Number on 26/02/2024 in order to open a bank account. The application was referred back to the person’s MyWelfare account on 27/02/2024 and 08/03/2024 informing them that a PPS Number is not required to open a bank account and therefore opening a bank account is not a valid reason for obtaining a PPS Number. The person was asked to provide evidence of a valid reason for their PPS Number request and advised that a list of valid reasons is available on www.gov.ie.
Separately, the person concerned contacted the Gardiner Street PPSN and PSC Centre by email on 05/03/2024. On 06/03/2024 a reply issued asking that they provide evidence of a valid reason for their PPS Number request and affording the person the opportunity to speak with an official who would explain the valid reasons for such a request.
Subsequently on 08/03/2024 the person concerned stated that they needed a PPS number to access medical services and to apply for a Social Welfare payment. The application was referred back to the person’s MyWelfare account on 12/03/2024 and on 15/03/2024 requesting that they provide either a completed application form for a Social Welfare payment, a letter from their doctor stating they require a PPSN to access medical treatment or a completed application form for a Medical Card.
To date, my Department has not received the requested documentation, therefore, my officials have been unable to progress the person’s application for a PPS Number. When the necessary documentation is received, the person’s application will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
