PSC: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

What is the Public Services Card

(PSC)? It is set to replace other cards such as the free travel pass and the social services card. It will verify the identity of users with a photograph, signature, and improved security features. What information will be on it? The front will have a name, photograph and signature. The back will hold the PPS and card number. There’s also a magnetic stripe. What legal right have the Government to ask me to get this card? The DSP said the card is provided for in Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005. The Irish Council For Civil

Liberties says the Government has yet to address core concerns. The Data Protection Commissioner has also sought clarification.

What do we/will we need it for? We need one to get most DSP services as well as child benefits, and to replace lost or stolen passports. It’s required for citizenship applications, driver theory test applications and to get access to the MyGovID hub for accessing government services. Who can access data on the card? More than 50 state entities ranging from ministers to the Revenue Commissioners, the HSE and An Post. Some 28 hospitals can also access data.