Adults applying for their first passport will no longer be required to produce their Public Services Card at the Passport Office.

The change was ordered by the Department of Foreign Affairs following concerns expressed by the Data Protection Commissioner into the operation of the PSC.

Applicants can instead provide either an original Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, or attend for interview in person at the Passport Offices in Cork or Dublin.

The department also confirmed the PSC will no longer be required if people are reapplying for a passport when their original is either lost, stolen or expired.

In a statement, the department said the review of the obligation to provide a PSC was instituted by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.

It said: "The Tánaiste directed the Passport Service to undertake a review of documents required for first time adult passport applicants, with specific reference to the requirement to submit a copy of their PSC as part of their application.

"Following this review, the Passport Service will continue to accept a copy of an applicant's PSC as valid identification for first time adult applications, and other applicable categories of application.

"Where the applicant does not present their PSC, an application can proceed if an applicant either presents original Government-issued photographic identification, such as a driver's licence or a passport from another country, or attends for interview in person at the Passport Offices in Cork or Dublin."

The department went on to say that "upholding the integrity of the Irish Passport is a key commitment of the Passport Service".

It also said that the Passport Service "believes that the presentation of the PSC is an important means of identity verification for applicants, particularly adult applicants making first time applications".

Read more:

What is the Public Services Card?