<P> Examples of valid new PPSN 1234567TW 1234567FA </P> <P> The number is currently used for a number of public services including education, health, housing, social welfare and tax however the net is widening raising concern about functionality creep . The number is underpinned in legislation by the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (Section 262) and a number of amendments, including data protection, have expanded its legal use as well as defining improper usage . </P> <P> The number has already been issued automatically to everyone born in the Republic of Ireland since January 1971 and those who commenced or were in employment since April 1979--the primary trigger today for the numbers' issue is birth registration . A PPS number can be applied for at a PPS Number allocation centre . Applicants should show the reason for requiring a PPS Number, and provide Photographic ID and proof of address . </P>

What is ni / pps (roi only)