subject: Id Card In Ireland To Cost Euros 24m In War Of Welfare Cheats [print this page] Ensuring the security of ID cards seems not to be only an objective of US companies. In fact, the Iris government has decided to develop a new ID card that will cost Euros 24M in an attempt to clamp down on social welfare fraud.
This public service card features several anti-counterfeiting measures, quite similar to those usually considered by big corporations and business organizations. Amongst the security features included are: microprinting, optical ink and kinegram (which is a device similar to the hologram).
The Department of Social Protection confirmed that the card contains the holder's name, photograph, signature and public service number. In addition, other personal details such as date of birth, former surnames and mother's maiden name will be encoded electronically. The authorities are convinced that the important initial cost of these new ID cards will be promptly recovered with the decrease in the number of frauds to the social security system as it is designed to discourage fraudsters from committing their crimes.
Irish officials have commented to the local and international press that these new ID cards wont replace other identification such as the driving license or the passport. Whats more, the local authorities expect that these new ID cards_ that will be available in almost three-years-time_ will provide easier access to public services.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has expressed that it is highly concerned about people's right to privacy, but Social Protection Minister Eamon O Cuiv has stressed the "minimum amount of personal data will be used" and that, in fact, most of the information needed is already available at the governments information systems. In addition, he commented that the card would be implemented in such a way as to enhance, not weaken, the protection of that personal data.
