C&AG Report on Roll-out of Public Services Card in Ireland Finds Weak Project Planning (audit.gov.ie)

• Project lacked a single business case covering scope, costs, risks, and benefits.
• Total cost estimate of €59.7 million by 2017, including €27.6 million to supplier.
• Only 1.2 million of 2.06 million cards activated by June 2016 (58%).
• 160 registration stations with capacity for 16,000 per week, but mobile units registered only 1,082 individuals by August 2016.

"The Irish Comptroller and Auditor General's 2015 report examined the Public Services Card project led by the Department of Social Protection. It found no single business case, incomplete initial cost estimates, and only 58% of cards activated by June 2016. Costs were projected at €59.7 million. Card production targets were missed: 2.06 million cards produced versus 3 million target."