A COMPUTER chipped card is to be introduced for people entitled to free travel.
The card, which will also feature a photograph and user signature, is also expected to be extended to other public services.
The Data Protection Commissioner has said the card raises data protection issues and that he will be keeping in contact with the Government about its introduction.
More than 600,000 people are entitled to travel on public and some private transport free of charge.
At present, these commuters use the free travel pass to do so.
However, plans are now in place to replace that pass with a new card called the PSC or Public Service Card.
It is designed to be more user friendly and to prevent fraud.
Age Action Ireland, while welcoming the introduction of the new travel card, has also expressed concerns.
Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus have also welcomed the card’s introduction.
The transport companies said the current system was open to abuse and the new card should eliminate fraudulent use.
Plans for the introduction of the card were outlined in an audit of the Department of Social and Family Affairs by the Data Protection Commissioner which was published last week.
During that audit, the commissioner found that although the use of the card is optional, people will not be able to avail of the free travel scheme without it.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, August 06, 2008
