The SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face- to-face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC).
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.
The SAFE registration process has recently been reintroduced in the Department’s offices across the country. The reintroduction of the service is being facilitated in compliance with all relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the Department is not in a position to deploy its mobile PSC unit service in respect of people who wish to be SAFE registered.
It is important to note that the legislation provisions governing the PSC clearly state that a PSC can only be requested by, and accepted by, public bodies specified in legislation, as proof of the person’s identity and only for the purpose of a transaction between that person and that specified body.
It cannot be used as a form of photo identification in any other circumstances.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.