379. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation which body is responsible for monitoring whether “digital by default” policies are becoming “digital only” in practice, particularly for older citizens and digitally excluded groups. [45848/26]

As per the Regulation (eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj/eng), “The use of European Digital Identity Wallets shall be voluntary. Access to public and private services, access to the labour market and freedom to conduct business shall not in any way be restricted or made disadvantageous to natural or legal persons that do not use European Digital Identity Wallets. It shall remain possible to access public and private services by other existing identification and authentication means.”

Responsibility for ensuring that this is adhered to as the use of the wallet in integrated with any given service will lie with the provider of that service in the first instance, with the measures needed to ensure that the wallet remains genuinely optional for service users needing to be assessed on a case by case basis.

Better Public Services Strategy commits to ensure inclusive, high quality and integrated public service provision that meets the needs and improves the lives of the people of Ireland.

Consistent with wider Government policy on digital public services, Ireland operates a “digital first, not digital only” approach. This ensures that individuals who cannot or do not wish to engage digitally will continue to have access to services through alternative channels.