Public services card set to be acceptable as form of ID

Government source said this would be 'useful for people who may not have a driving licence or passport'

The public services card is used daily by millions of citizens — not just for receiving welfare payments, but also for services such as renewing driving licences and accessing the national childcare scheme. 

The State's public services card will soon be acceptable as a form of ID under new proposals to be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday.

Social protection minister Dara Calleary will bring the Social Welfare and Other Matters Bill to ministers for approval.