Group has 'genuine concerns' about ID card proposal

Plans for the roll out of a new public services identity card, starting in the second half of next year, are causing controversy.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties said the country cannot afford "a costly farce".

The card is being introduced for around three million people over the age of 16 at a reported cost of €25m.

The card will show the name, photo, signature and public service number of the holder, with other information to be digitally encoded.

Director of the Council Mark Kelly has said there are "genuine concerns" about privacy.