Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
476. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe for personal public service number applications; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23327/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity when they apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), is a face- to-face process.
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, my Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.
To help ensure that those who required a PPSN could get one, my Department introduced an email and postal service through which applications could be made. The area of my Department that processes these applications is currently dealing with high volumes of applications received. By its nature this process involves, in most cases, correspondence with the customer which may lead to delays, for example, where there is a delay in receiving documents required.
I am happy to confirm that the SAFE registration service has now resumed in most Intreo Centres and Branch Offices, for those who already have a PPSN and wish to obtain a Public Services Card and I expect that the PPSN application service will be fully resumed in my Department's network of offices over the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
