Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Finance what communication his Department has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to resolve the online Identification verification problems with the Self Employed Income Support Scheme for holders of an Irish passport and a Northern Ireland Driver Licence. [Priority Written]
Minister of Finance: My Permanent Secretary has raised this matter directly with the Chief Executive of HMRC who confirmed that:
People from here will not be excluded from the scheme.
Citizens from here can still use credit reference information online to verify their identity if they have not already established their credentials with HMRC or possess the other documents that can be used.
A helpline also exists for those having problems and applications can be made by telephone.
HMRC are working for a speedy solution.
My Department will continue to work with HMRC until the issue is resolved.
Your MLA 