Public Services Card Claims Solicitors
What is The Public Services Card?
A Public Services Card (PSC) is a card issued to help you access a range of public services. It is usually issued when you are allocated a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which everyone in Ireland needs in order to access social welfare benefits, public services and certain information.
You need a PSC for access to a range of important public services. These include accessing social welfare services and applying for your passport for the first time if you are over 18, or if your last passport was issued before January 1, 2005 and has since been reported lost, stolen or damaged.
Citizenship applications also require a PSC. It does not, however, apply to renewals of passports issued after January 1, 2005 or to applications for children.
What are the issues with it?
Since the Public Services Car was first introduced it has controversially split opinion; its proponents argued that it would make life easier and more efficient for the holder, unlocking a range of public services that previously required the filling out of reams of documentation, and bringing forward a new era of access to public services. Opponents of the card said that it represented a data land-grab, and a massive risk to the publics data privacy rights.
Under an agreement reached with the data watchdog, the Department has conceded the State can’t demand people use a PSC to access other public services. The Department of Social Protection has now acknowledged that specific legislation would need to be passed by the Government to do this.
The card contains your biometric information (photo) is stored alongside crucial identifying information (your name and signature) in a database. Databases, by their nature, are insecure and the government has not published the security protocols in place on this one. Therefore, your identity could be vulnerable to theft.
The issues in summary:
(a) it has no clear legislative basis;
(b) it is not a necessary or proportionate system for achieving access of services or fraud prevention; and
(c) there is a serious risk that your personal, intimate data could be hacked, leaked and sold.
Who’s affected? And how were they breached?
- Workers forced to obtain a PSC to obtain a PPS number and/or register their first employment in the state:
This applies mostly to Cross-border workers who had to apply for the PSC card in order to be registered to work in Ireland. This processing was not necessary according to the DPC (DPC Statement 21/8/19) and therefore in breach of Art 5.1 of GDPR (Principles of GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (re data protection principles).
Individuals would have received confirmation that they were informed by the Department that they needed a PSC to register their employment here.
- Individuals who were forced to obtain PSC for renewal of their drivers licence.
You must have confirmation that you were forced to obtain a PSC for first application and / or licence renewal.
If you are one of the affected groups of people listed, fill out the enquiry form above, and we’ll get back to you.
What our clients say
It’s not uncommon for companies to neglect the data laws that protect your personal data. This can lead to everything from unwelcome sales contact from unknown companies to more serious cases such as the publication of private and intimate data, identity theft and fraud.
However, when an organisation or company collects and uses your personal data, it has a legal duty of care to make sure it’s used as described when collected. If you believe your data has been misused, our team of experienced data protection solicitors can help you.
Our experienced and understanding solicitors can help you claim compensation that can then be used towards the cost of any financial damages, as well as emotional distress.
GET IN TOUCH TODAY AND WE’LL GET BACK TO YOU WITHIN 3 HOURS OR LESS.
What our clients say
I received excellent service from Oliver and his administrative staff, especially Clodagh O’Donnell. It was my pleasure to do business with you all. Many thanks.
Martin Burke, Finglas, Dublin 11
Gibson & Associates acted for me in the purchase of my first home. I found the service offered to be first class and would highly recommend this firm to my friends and colleagues.
Tony Gillespie, Strabane, Co. Tyrone
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gibson & Associates Solicitors to any person who needs a good professional team to represent them on any legal matter. The team was courteous at all times.
Leigh Howard, Dublin
I would recommend Gibson & Associates Solicitors to my family and friends. My solicitor kept me updated regularly and was courteous and professional at all times.
Kim Nolan, Dublin
As one of the leading law firms in Ireland, no situation is too big or small for us. Our Data Protection solicitors will use their expertise to make sure that your requirements and wishes are met throughout your time with us. We will not try and overwhelm you with legal jargon, providing advice in clear, plain language.
You are at the heart of everything we do, and we will work tirelessly to get you the best results. We treat clients the way that we would like to be treated – meaning ‘good enough’ is not acceptable to us.
When you make contact with our Data Protection team, you will hear back from us within three hours or less for a no-obligation consultation. You will be assigned a dedicated point of contact who will take charge of your case from start to finish.
We are clear about our processes and transparent when it comes to costs.
We are waiting to hear from you
To speak to a solicitor about any wills, trusts or probate matter, contact Gibson & Associates LLP today by calling 01 872 3143. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.
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