Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:137 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a non-EEA national has the right to apply for and be granted a PPS number. [23394/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 October 2004
Ceisteanna (35, 36)
Michael Ring
Ceist:152 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the persons who can qualify for a PPS number; and if non-EEA nationals can apply and qualify for a PPS number if they are married to an Irish citizen and living in the State. [23346/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 137 and 152 together.
The personal public service number, PPS number, was introduced in the 1998 Social Welfare Act as the unique personal identifier for transactions between individuals and Departments and other public bodies specified in the Social Welfare Acts. These public bodies include health boards, educational institutions and hospitals.
Any person who does not already have a PPS number and who requires one for a transaction with a public body can apply for a PPS number at one of my Department's local or branch offices.
An application can be made by anyone, regardless of nationality. This includes non-EEA nationals with no relations in this State, and non-EEA nationals married to Irish citizens and living in the State.
Applicants are required to attend in person, fill out an application form and provide proof of identity. Such proof of identity typically entails a person's passport or national identity card from their country of origin as appropriate. Where my Department is satisfied that all the criteria are met, a PPS number is allocated and the applicant is advised by letter, usually within five days.
Question No. 138 answered with QuestionNo. 128.