Give me a crash course in . . . public services cards

Over the coming months the State will begin issuing about three million public services cards to all citizens over the age of 16, at a cost of €25 million.

But most of us already have personal public service (PPS) cards, so why do we need a new one?The Government says the new card's enhanced security features will cut red tape and improve the fight against welfare fraud. The plan is to replace other cards used for public services, such as the social services, drugs-repayment scheme and Garda age cards.

Is welfare fraud that big a deal?Conservative estimates say welfare fraud has cost the State almost €5 billion over the past 10 years. There are reports of a "huge trade" in bogus PPS numbers for fraudulent benefit claims. Welfare fraud is a problem throughout the State, especially near the Border. For example, the Co Cavan village of Ballyconnell had a population of 747 in the 2006 census, yet by 2009 1,044 people there were claiming welfare payments.

The plan sounds suspiciously like a move towards a national ID cardNot so, say those in authority. Its sole aim is to save the taxpayer money by helping to combat fraud and improve services. The card will include security features, such as laser engraving, a chip, a signature, a photograph and an expiry date.

I heard a rumour that there'll be biometric data on the card. Sounds a bit scaryThe card will have the same features as a modern passport. Authorities will also use facial-recognition software to ensure photographs presented for the card are good quality. This, we're told, will help tackle identity fraud, or people using multiple cards. Once the card is scanned you will get only the payment or service you are entitled to.

Surely all of this has implications for privacyGroups such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties think so. Its director, Mark Kelly, says the scheme may "compound the privacy threats posed by PPS numbers" and will tie "personal information to a physical card that people may eventually be obliged to carry". The Minister for Social Protection, Éamon Ó Cuív, says that people will not be obliged to carry cards and that privacy issues have been addressed.

How long will the roll-out of the scheme take?It is expected to take "several months", although the Government has missed deadlines to introduce these cards before. Nearly three million cards will be issued to over-16s. Those who qualify will be contacted by the department to register, involving the collection of a photograph and signature.

Will any of this save time standing in queues or speed up the processing of welfare benefits?In theory, yes. In practice, only time will tell. We're told that using a single card will improve efficiency.

Any chance that this will be scrapped quickly by a new government?It's unlikely. No major political party has raised much of a fuss about the card. And the taxpayer has already forked out millions of euro on tendering for the card, new software and so on. Unlike the electronic voting machines, it seems the card will see the light of day.