Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
364. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that her Department does not automatically issue public services cards when the card expires to those who are currently in receipt of a social welfare payment, especially those with an ongoing entitlement to a free travel pass; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33368/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Services Card (PSC) is accepted as proof of identity when a person accesses public services, and is also used by my Department’s free travel customers to avail of their entitlement to free travel.
My Department does not automatically issue PSCs to those whose card is expiring for a number of reasons. Firstly, to ensure the efficacy and reliability of the PSC as proof of identity, the photograph on the PSC must be updated every 10 years, as is the case with other photo IDs such as passports and driving licences. This 10-year standard is in line with internationally agreed guidelines on photo IDs.
Secondly, the automatic issuing of large volumes of PSCs, containing a person’s name, photograph, signature and PPSN would create a significant risk of personal data breach, were the cards to become lost or delivered to a former address of a customer, where that customer has not informed the Department they have moved.
When a person’s PSC expires, there are a number of ways in which they can get a new card.
Intreo Centres and Branch Offices reopened countrywide following the lifting of public health restrictions earlier this year, and almost 147,000 PSC appointments have taken place so far this year; this includes over 23,000 PSC renewal appointments. Any person who wishes to make an appointment to renew their PSC can contact their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
My Department also introduced an online PSC renewal service in March 2021. This service is available on MyWelfare.ie and 15,000 people have renewed their PSC online so far this year.
In addition, as part of my Department’s response during the pandemic, a facility was introduced whereby a person can have the validity period of their PSC extended by three years, by calling to an office of the Department or by calling 1890 927 999. These extended cards, issued on request, use the existing photograph, and do not necessitate attendance at an in-person appointment.
It is important to note that holders of expired free travel PSCs have at all times retained their entitlement to free travel. For this reason, there is an interim arrangement in place with the National Transport Authority, whereby expired free travel cards are accepted for travel on public transport services. Expired PSCs can also continue to be used to collect social welfare payments in Post Offices nationwide, and to verify MyGovID accounts.
The Department is currently reviewing the issuing of PSC expiry notifications with the aim of making the notification process more efficient. Any decision as to the resumption of the issuing of expiry notifications will be taken within the context of the Department’s available resources and the ongoing requirements to comply with the prevailing HSE and WHO public health and social distancing guidelines.
