Digital Access to Social Protection Services to Remain Optional, Minister Calleary Confirms
Minister Dara Calleary confirmed that digital access to social protection services will stay optional in Ireland, despite a 2024 EU regulation for digital identities. He addressed concerns about the Public Services Card's mandatory nature, assuring non-digital options remain. A pilot digital wallet is in consultation, offering citizens control over their data.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary stated that digital access to Department of Social Protection services will remain optional, despite an EU regulation from 2024 requiring member states to establish a legally binding framework for digital identities. This framework aims to allow citizens to access public and private services across member states, with each EU state expected to provide a «digital identity wallet» by year-end.
Calleary emphasized that non-digital options will remain fully available for those uncomfortable with digital services. He made these comments in the Dáil in response to Sinn Féin spokeswoman Louise O’Reilly, who criticized the Public Services Card (PSC) as «mired in controversy.» O’Reilly highlighted concerns from groups like the Irish Council for Civil Liberties regarding the card's perceived mandatory nature, noting that individuals over 65 must have a PSC for the free travel scheme.
Calleary explained that the digital wallet will allow citizens to store driving licenses, EU health insurance cards, and age verifiers on their phones, enabling access to services and benefits across the EU. He stressed that citizens will control their personal data within the wallet. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer is currently inviting public participation in a consultation and testing phase for a pilot Government digital wallet.