Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
880. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the options available to a person (details supplied) in obtaining a public services card needed to process a passport application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12796/26]
View answerSAFE Registration is the process used by my department to verify a person’s identity, following this process, a person receives their Public Services Card (PSC).
SAFE Registration can be completed by attending an in-person appointment at a local Intreo/PSC Centre, or by using the online MyGovID-Verify your Identity service, if aged 16 and over, the holder of a valid Irish passport and have an address on the island of Ireland.
As the person concerned does not have an Irish passport and was not born in Ireland, they should make an appointment at their local Intreo/PSC Centre, and bring with them their birth certificate, any type of photographic identity evidence they hold, and proof of their address. In the absence of valid photographic identity documents, the person concerned should bring with them any expired passport or identity card they may hold, and any other evidence such as correspondence from a government department, to help verify their identity. The person’s photo and signature will be captured at the appointment. An officer will review the evidence presented at the appointment and if found to be in order, a public services card will issue, by post, in 7 to 10 working days.
The person should also bring their mobile phone to the appointment, if they have one, to have it verified. This will allow the person to set up a MyGovID verified account at any future date, so that they can access online public services.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
