I raise the issue of free travel passes. People, predominantly pensioners, who would not have any reason to believe there may be a change of status as regards free travel are being challenged as they board buses because their passes have expired. These are conscientious people who find themselves in awkward and embarrassing situations because their pass has expired. The Department of Social Protection has the details of the free travel passes issued to people. There is no reason for not extending travel passes or issuing new cards in advance. People have no reason to expect to lose their free travel passes. They typically realise there is a problem when they board a bus. While there is an expiry date on these cards, people do not expect problems. Can replacement cards be issued in advance of the expiry date?

I agree with the Deputy regarding what he has said. As he is aware, the Department of Social Protection suspended the issuing of letters to customers whose public service cards, PSCs, were due to expire from 20 March because of the closure of the Department's offices under the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. However, an agreement with the National Transport Authority, NTA, and transport providers is in place to ensure acceptance of expired cards in the interim for those availing of free travel. The Department has since introduced a telephone service whereby a person can have the validity period of their PSC extended by three years by calling an office of the Department or 1890 927 999.

In addition, the Department has recently introduced an online PSC renewal service, which is available via www.mywelfare.ie. PSC appointments have resumed in Intreo centres and branch offices since 17 May and an average of 1,000 appointments are being held each day. Additional resources have been assigned to this work to increase capacity. The Department is currently updating relevant communications to take account of new self-service options and intends recommencing notification of customers when the modifications have been completed. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter and I will liaise with him to pursue it.