Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2020
117. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the SAFE scheme and public services card and the invitation of tenders (details supplied); if she plans to develop use of the card throughout the public sector by multiple agencies; the names of the agencies and public sector bodies that she will give utilisation of the card to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16331/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has engaged with and-or notified the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the invitation for tenders (details supplied) relating to the public services card; if the Commissioner has requested that she defer a tender invitation relating to the public services card and-or SAFE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16333/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
Since 1998, when legislative provision was first made for the Public Services Card (PSC), it was always intended that it would be used widely across the public service to assist people in their dealings with public sector organisations. The list of public bodies that are authorised to use the PSC is set out in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
My Department has received technical advice and support in relation to smart card technology since the beginning of the SAFE/PSC project. As the current contract for this support is due to expire in the coming months, my Department is tendering for a continuation of this service, as it has on a number of occasions since the project commenced.
My Department has not engaged with the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) with regard to this procurement, as it relates to the ongoing day-to-day operations of the Department, and nor has the DPC made any request to the Department in respect of this procurement exercise.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
