Paschal Donohoe: Review of approach to public services card

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said the Government will “review” how its attempts to force the public services card into widespread use resulted in a damaging public backlash after an Independent minister said the Coalition must listen to the people’s concerns.

Mr Donohoe confirmed the approach taken on the issue by Government will be re-examined after Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said officials must “go back” to the proposed legislation “and take it from there”.

Despite continuing to back the card’s introduction after two weeks of controversy over the new service, data protection concerns, and questions over why it is being forced into use, Mr Donohoe admitted mistakes may have been made.