He said the cards currently held biometric information, including a photograph that met the standards of the Civil Aviation Authority: “We’ve also invested in software which, behind the scenes, checks photographs one against the other,” Mr Barry said.Storing a copy of the ID's photo on the chip while omitting fingerprints is the ePassport model.
The delivery of the public services card, currently used by 6,000 social welfare claimants, is to be “significantly ramped up” in 2012 following the provision of resources from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
It is envisaged the microchipped card will eventually be used by public bodies to identify an individual at points of service and to provide online services.
See also: Ireland Tackling Welfare Fraud with Biometric ID (October, 2011)
