Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
587. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for mobile clinics in rural areas to issue public services cards (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11448/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has a variety of arrangements in place to ensure that citizens can SAFE register and obtain a Public Services Card (PSC), irrespective of their location or place of residence.
The majority of SAFE registrations are through attendance in person at the local INTREO Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. Customers may be invited to attend, or can make contact themselves to arrange an appointment or make an appointment online. There are over 100 SAFE registration locations nationally. It is the intention that, in due course, registration would be available at all departmental locations.
Arrangements are also in place for other persons, mainly pensioners in receipt of payments at Post Offices who can complete SAFE registration and access a PSC by postal methods. Customers who fulfil the relevant criteria are written to offering this option. This procedure provides a more convenient method of registration for these individuals. Over 300,000 customers have availed of this option.
Having regard to mobile SAFE registrations, these are carried out specifically on request and usually at community/group settings to register customers unable to attend in person at DEASP locations due to mobility, disability or incapacity challenges.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
