258. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for contradictory accounts from his Department in relation to PPS numbers assigned to a person (details supplied) in view of the great distress and anxiety caused to this individual and their family as a result of Departmental errors; and if his Department will finalise their investigation into the matter and issue a report promptly. [27765/26]

My Department regrets the mix- up that occurred in respect of the PPSN of the individual referred to by the Deputy. The delay that occurred in rectifying same is acknowledged and very much regretted.

The mix up related to the PPSNs of two individuals of similar name.

On 18th May 2021, the customer concerned was assigned a new PPSN. Due to a human error, the customer was not notified of their new PPSN at that time.

On 1st September 2022, the person concerned was SAFE Registered at a Department Intreo Centre and a Public Services Card (PSC) was issued, bearing their correct PPSN.

Due to the lengthy overlap of the two social insurance contribution records involved it was necessary to implement a system solution to rectify the data. The record rectification process is now complete. and the person concerned will receive confirmation this week that their records are now rectified.

On 17th April 2025 a letter of explanation and apology issued to the person concerned, enclosing a PPSN notification letter. Regretfully, a default ‘test’ PPSN 1234567T was not removed and replaced with the correct PPSN.

My Department acknowledges that the rectification process in this instance falls below the quality of service it strives to provide, and it deeply regrets the errors and delays that occurred. I would like to reassure the Deputy that the customers PPSN and record is now correct. The person concerned will receive confirmation this week that their records are now rectified under the correct PPSN.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.