Welfare database is not a PPARS-style fiasco

I REFER to the articles in the Irish Examiner headlined ‘Identity fraud: personal ID system is open to abuse’ and “When e is for error”, in addition to the editorial entitled ‘Department brought this one on itself’ (Irish Examiner August 21).

The statements relating to the ‘shortcomings’ of the system are incorrect and have been corrected publicly in the context of the response by this Department (Social and Family Affairs ) to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report referred to by your reporter.

I would draw your attention in particular to the following points:

*The database containing PPS numbers, the department’s Central Records System (CRS), is not a computer system fiasco and it is incorrect to compare it to PPARS. The department set up the Client Identity Service (CIS) in 2000 to manage the PPS number registration system.

*Your editorial outlines how the PPS number is used, and gives examples, such as gaining working status and getting a credit card. These are incorrect. The PPS number is a unique client identifier used by departments and agencies for accessing Government services.

*The department, in fact, is able to check if a non-national name is on the database and the system does screen foreign names.

*The issue of recording when an individual leaves the country is broader than cancelling PPS numbers.

*The fraud and error surveys undertaken by the department on the various schemes have indicated that identity fraud is not a significant issue in the context of the schemes examined.

The fraud and error surveys referred to were instigated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and results so far indicate that identity fraud is not as significant an issue as implied by the C&AG report.

This does not mean we are complacent and we are addressing the issues as outlined in the accounting officer’s statement in the response to the C&AG report. It is the department’s view that its responsibilities centre around the registration process, leading to the allocation of a PPS number, and subsequent authentication and eligibility checking in respect of its own services.

The department supports other agencies in their establishment and use of the PPS number.

Agencies have been issued with a code of practice on the PPS number which lists the documents that can link the number to the individual. Likewise, an information leaflet on the PPS number also addresses this. Employers have been advised by Revenue to seek back-up confirmation that the quoted PPS number belongs to the individual using it. The department has always been aware of identity fraud in the context of persons claiming social welfare benefits.

Allocation of the PPS number as an identity reference needs to focus on the production of sufficient evidence to establish the uniqueness and integrity of the identity. Procedures at registration, and supporting structures, have concentrated on detection of bogus identities at registration.

Since 2004, a client identity check has been included as an integral part of the fraud and error survey process. Inspectors are asked specifically to confirm identity as part of their investigations.

The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department.

Carmel Fields

Press Officer

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Áras Mhic Dhiarmada

Store Street

Dublin 1