Minister Paschal Donohoe asks public to get new ID card

People are being urged to sign up for a public services card which can be used to access Government services and reduce the risk of fraud.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe has said the card, first rolled out in 2012 to allow people claim social welfare payments and State pensions, is being expanded to include other services. Everyone over the age of 18 can use the card and Mr Donohoe said millions of euro have already been saved through fraud prevention since its introduction.

The minister said: “The public services card acts as a key to more efficient and better-run public services. It enables the State to provide new and enhanced services to the public while also achieving efficiencies in administration and helping to eliminate fraud.”