Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2018
37. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the tender recently published on her Department's website seeking the supply of facial image matching software to improve the performance of the SAFE registration process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19280/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of facial recognition technology has been successfully employed by my Department for a number of years. What is proposed, in the context of this competitive tender process, is a continuation and upgrade of this existing technology.
My Department uses facial image matching software to strengthen the SAFE registration process. The normal digital photograph in JPEG format is captured during the SAFE registration process and is inputted into and stored in this facial image matching software. It is then modelled and searched against the Department’s photo database to ensure that the person in the photograph has not already been registered using a different Personal Public Service Number or a different identity dataset. The software compares photographs by converting the image into an arithmetic template based on the individual’s facial characteristics and checking it against the other image templates already held in that software’s database from other SAFE registrations.
It is a similar approach to that taken by the Passport Office in its systems when processing passport applications/renewals.
My Department is simply ensuring that it employs the latest technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations and to minimise maintenance cost and effort.
It is also important to note that the application of this technology has detected a number of cases of serious identity fraud, some of which have been successfully prosecuted through the courts on indictment, with significant custodial sentences being imposed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
