Minister Joan Burton has announced a that new public services card is being distributed to social welfare recipients from this week.

The card, which incorporates a biometric photograph and  is designed to provide access for those entitled to public services and free travel.

The Department of Social Protection has begun the phased introduction of the card at offices in Tullamore, Sligo and King’s Inns in Dublin, officials told an Oireachtas committee today.

By the end of the year, it is anticipated that 4,000 people will be issued with the card, which is the size of a credit card.

The front of the card will hold a person’s name, photograph and signature, while the back will hold the person’s PPS number and a magnetic stripe for compatibility with existing social services cards.