Department of Social Protection (Register of Users)

Updated: 9 June 2020

Yes

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) is responsible for allocating the PPS number to an individual. The PPSN is the unique identifier used for the customer who wishes to avail of the Department’s schemes and services. These services include the SAFE registration process, social welfare payments and recording social security contributions.

The PPS number is used as an identifier in matters relating to employees; including payroll, PMDS, and time and attendance.

Also, in line with other Government Departments, the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) is managed on our behalf by Dept. Public Expenditure and Reform (Peoplepoint). Records on this system use the PPS Number as an identifier.

Yes. The Department of Social Protection only exchanges the PPS number in accordance with specific statutory provisions .The purpose of such exchanges is to enhance delivery of public services and to meet obligations under specific enactments and legislation. Section 9 of the Department’s Privacy Statement (See link below) describes in more detail how the Department shares the PPS number with other organisations as well as other elements of the Public Service Identity dataset.

The implementation of MyGovID across a range of Government services has allowed customers data (including the PPS number), to be used as part of an identity authentication framework across participating organisations.

In some instances the Department requires the utilisation of agents to carry out certain statutory functions. In particular, with regard to the Treatment Benefit schemes, as part of the application process the PPS number is collected by opticians, dentists and audiologists who participate in administering the scheme.

Section 7 of the Department’s privacy statement lists examples as to the categories of data processed by the Department. (See link below).

It is the policy of the Department of Social Protection to promote and facilitate the use of the PPS Number in accordance with legislative provisions

• Process it lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner;
• Collect it only for one or more specified, explicit and legitimate purposes, and do not otherwise use it in a way that is incompatible with those purposes;
• Ensure it is adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for the purpose it is processed;
• Keep it accurate and up-to-date and erase or rectify any inaccurate data without delay;
• Where it is kept in a way that allows you to identify who the data is about, retain it for no longer than is necessary;
• Keep it secure by using appropriate technical and/or organisational security measures;
• Be able to demonstrate your compliance with the above principles; and
• Respond to requests by individuals seeking to exercise their data protection rights (for example the right of access

As one of the largest data controllers in the State, the Department of Social Protection is committed to protecting the rights and privacy of individuals in accordance with GDPR, Social Welfare and Data Protection legislation. The Department’s privacy statement outlines in detail the Department’s policies with regard to compliance with the above GDPR principles.

The Department’s full privacy statement can be found here .