Justice Minister warned that Ireland ‘sleepwalking towards ID database’

Ireland is sleepwalking towards a national identity database and national identity card “in all else but name”, privacy law experts have warned.

In a letter sent to Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, the 17 experts said the public services card (PSC) was becoming a compulsory ID card.

They noted it is “being made effectively compulsory to have the PSC in order to carry on ordinary business in our society (for example to get a driving licence or a passport)”.

They Department of Social Protection website “outlines an array of public services for which similar mandatory uses of this voluntary card are proposed, many of which appear to lack any legal basis”.

The letter continues: “It would appear that the time has now come where a national identity card is essentially on the table, and it is time for policy decisions in relation to this matter.

“However, to date, there has been no public engagement in relation to the development of policy for a national identity card.

“Our concern is that as a result, we are sleepwalking into developing a national identity index and national identity card in all else but name, and that we have not considered the very important implications before doing so.

“We call on you now to engage with the public for the development of policy on this matter, and for there to be a real debate on the issue. We request that you recommend that further expansion of the PSC be delayed and that Head 6 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill not be enacted until this matter has been aired and policy considered in depth.”