Thread by @rossamcmahon

The State continues to be, imo, entirely disingenuous about the #psc rollout and is still pushing it through without proper legal basis or authority so that it reaches critical mass.

One thing is clear: they are avoiding any binding decisions on the PSC. #thread

📷: @DRIalerts

You might recall that, since @RSAIreland backtracked on requiring #PSC for driving licences, passports are effectively the last non-social welfare holdout on mandatory/compulsory use.

This type of requirement is what takes it from mere "token" to de facto ID card.

At every step along the way over the past 12 months or so, in my experience, the authorities have backed down when challenged. The difficulty is that they find a different, non-PSC, reason to back down.

I have worked on a number of PSC cases in the last year. In a suspended pension case, despite months of holding out and *insisting* that arrears would not be paid, the appeal was successful with full arrears repaid but on basis of procedural technicality.

No decision on PSC.

In cases where threats were made to stop social welfare payments, challenges were made and the Department went silent (does not reply to correspondence). Payments continue.

No decision on PSC.

In a passport case, applicant waiting for months, only issue being that applicant does not have PSC. When challenged, back down and issue passport but because applicant submitted driving licence.

No decision on PSC.

@dfatirl says it is "passport policy" to obtain a PSC as "primary item of identity" for new/replacement passports and if expired for 5+ years.

If you apply in those circumstances this policy will block your application.

They will tell you they need your copy PSC, even if you don't have a PSC (so you have to go get a PSC). This is even if you submitted a certified copy driving licence with your application, plus photos validated by Gardaí, etc.

You should not need to challenge the Department like this, or to have a solicitor write to them and engage in appeals and potential litigation, to get a passport.

Firstly: this is not how government and State services should work. It is not fair to citizens and creates unnecessary stress, anxiety and inconvenience - often for people who are already vulnerable.

Second: State agencies appear to be avoiding a decision or a determination, whether by an appeals entity or a court.

Draw your own conclusions as to why.

If you want national ID card/mandatory public services token, put forward argument. Debate it in the Oireachtas, set out framework for its operation, set the rules and parameters for the system. Also proper costings.

Draw your own conclusions as to why this hasn't happened.

Not this shambolic, behind the scenes introduction of one of the biggest public schemes in the history of the State.

Important to note that @dfatirl documentation on #psc refer to a "requirement". It certainly seems mandatory.
dfa.ie/passports-citi…

But they now say the policy is that the #PSC is the "primary" ID document. Not the only one.