Higgins: National identity card system should be introduced without delay

NATIONAL identity cards should be introduced without delay to ensure the state knows exactly who is living in the country, according to MEP Jim Higgins.

The census showed there are 100,000 more people in the country than were previously thought and cards issued by local authorities would prevent this state of affairs in the future, said Mr Higgins.

All EU countries, except Ireland and Britain, have identity cards for everyone living within their borders, and with workers from other EU countries free to come and work in the country, it was time Ireland introduced them too, he said.