A new identity card to tackle social welfare fraud is to be rolled out on a phased basis, beginning this week.

The cards will be issued to 4,000 people of working age by the end of the year.

The card is the same size as a credit card and it incorporates a biometric photo and signature, as well as electronically coded information.

Samples of the card were shown to members of the joint committee on jobs, social protection and education this morning.

Anne Vaughan, assistant secretary at the Department of Social Protection, said the card will be rolled out as securely and as speedily as possible, and it will take a number of years to complete.

The scheme is being piloted in Tullamore, Sligo and King's Inn in Dublin.

