Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
413. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of registrations for SAFE level 2 that have taken place since SAFE registration began in 2011; the number and-or estimate of possible further persons who will require SAFE registration; the number of new SAFE level 2 registrations that are forecast per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18575/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 2.72 million adults registered to SAFE Level 2 (“SAFE2”), which is the minimum standard of identity authentication for issue of a Public Services Card.
SAFE registrations to date in 2018 are averaging 10,000 people a week, the vast majority of whom complete registration to SAFE2 at the first appointment, or on a return appointment. On completion of the registration process, they are issued a Public Services Card as a physical token of authenticated identity.
SAFE2 identity verification is currently required for:
- Access to social welfare services - including Child Benefit and Treatment Benefits;
- First time adult passport applicants in the State;
- Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged passports issued prior to January 2005, where the person is resident in the State;
- Citizenship applications;
- Driver Theory Test Applicants; and
- Access to high value or personal online public services via MyGovId, the identity authentication mechanism for accessing public services online.
The number of further persons for whom completion of SAFE2 registration will be required, is dependent on the extent of public service bodies or their agents (i.e. organisations working on their behalf or performing one of their public functions under contract), which are specified in Section 262 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 (as amended), that adopt the SAFE registration standard in the future. Additionally, there will also be the need to replace existing cards as and when they expire.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform recently published the eGovernment Strategy 2017-2020 which lists a number of public services for which SAFE2 registration will be required. The SAFE2 transition plans for each service, including communications, are being developed by the Departments/agencies concerned, working with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
