Coughlan gives assurances over PPS

MEDICAL and criminal records will not be stored on the new public services database, the Government confirmed yesterday.

Use of the Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number) system is intended to cut down on red tape and form filling, according to Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Coughlan.

Issues such as medical records or criminal records are beyond what is intended for the use of the PPS numbers, the minister said.

The information provided to all government departments and agencies by the individual is limited and protected by legislation, she said.

“The strategy and legislation which have been put in place to date have been developed in close consultation with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Extensive legal safeguards are in place,” Ms Coughlan said.

Formerly known as the RSI number, the PPS number is now being used by a dozen government departments and agencies for dealing with the public:

Dept of Social and Family Affairs.

Revenue Commissioners.

Dept of Education.

Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission.

FÁS.

County councils.

Health boards.

Dept of Agriculture.

Dept of Transport.

Dept of Environment.

General Registrars Office.

General medical services.

At the moment, the General Registrar’s Office is being computerised, meaning from the beginning of next year children’s PPS numbers will be allocated from birth.

Launching an awareness campaign on the use of the numbers, Ms Coughlan said the public will no longer have to repeatedly produce a birthcert or a passport as a form of identification.

“Ideally, the PPS number would act as a nudge to the government, prompting a reminder that it’s time to immunise your child or prompting the payment of child benefit for example.

“Other advantages would be reminders over driving licence renewal,” she said.