Government claims that withdrawal of PSC could be illegal as it sets up battle with data watchdog

THE DEPARTMENT OF Employment Affairs and Social Protection will continue to process personal data related to the Public Services Card , saying it has a “strong legal basis” to do so.

It also said that both ministers believe withdrawing or modifying the PSC or the data processes that underpin its use would be inappropriate and “potentially unlawful”, and that their opinions had been informed by advice from the Office of the Attorney General. The completed probe first outlined last month how there is no legal basis for any department or state body, except for the Department of Social Protection, to insist that citizens obtain a PSC to access a public service they provide.

She warned that, as a result of this data processing, the PSC’s use was an arrangement that gave rise to potentially adverse consequences for those who used it: The report highlights how the card has already evolved from its original purpose, and is now being used as a form of photo ID to enable people to access other services. Equally, the card is now moving from being one that strictly required for use in the context of transactions with specified public sector bodies, to one that… may, in the near future, be used as an Age Card to be presented in off-licences to purchase alcohol.

Change the law then.

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