Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1146. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the public services card is not acceptable as a form of ID for the opening of credit union and bank accounts; and if she will review this to ensure that it can be used for opening back accounts and so on where the holder does not hold a driving licence or passport. [43509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1998, when legislative provision was first made for the Public Services Card (PSC), it was always intended that it would be used only across the public service to assist people in their dealings with public bodies.
The list of public bodies that are permitted under law to accept the PSC as proof of identity is set out in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
Credit unions and other financial institutions are not public bodies and are therefore not permitted to accept a PSC as proof of identity, even if the holder of that PSC offers it as proof of identity.
There are no plans to amend legislation to allow for the use of the PSC by non-public bodies.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
