Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
574. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to allow those over 66 years of age who do not hold a public services card due to Covid-19 delays in receiving such to access free travel with other forms of identification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1061/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SAFE registration process, which is a face to face process, is used by the Department of Social Protection to authenticate a person's identity and results in the issue of a Public Services Card (PSC). A Free Travel variant PSC is issued to those with free travel entitlement who have completed the SAFE registration process.
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process, to comply with public health guidelines in respect of social distancing. SAFE registration services subsequently resumed in Intreo Centres and Branch Offices countrywide, in accordance with relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff.
Under the recently introduced Level 5 restrictions, the Department’s offices are open to the public for three half-days per week. SAFE registration appointments remain available to free travel customers, on request.
A non-face to face renewal process is in place to assist those who want to renew an expired free travel PSC by contacting the PSC Support Team of my Department (Tel. 1890 800 124). In addition, for those undertaking essential travel during Level 5 restrictions, expired free travel PSCs are accepted by transport providers for free travel purposes under an arrangement with the National Transport Authority due to the pandemic.
The use of alternative forms of identity to access free travel is not under consideration at this time .
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
