The Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Issues has said the legal basis of the Public Service Card should be discussed with the Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon, and questions posed to her should be answered thoroughly.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Seán O'Rourke, Finian McGrath said the robustness of the State's data is routinely tested.
He said the Public Services Card will serve to protect citizens from State claims funded by the taxpayer.
He said: "The State uses various layers of service network and data centre security and they are routinely and independently tested for robustness so there is that concern there.
"The card protects citizens and the State from anyone claiming something funded by the taxpayer but of course the data commissioner's questions should be answered and I'm sure they will be."
It comes amid concerns about the card.
Earlier this week, Ms Dixon issued a statement saying the issue of transparency needs to be addressed in relation to the card.
She said that there is a pressing need for updated, clearer and more detailed information to be communicated to the public regarding the mandatory use of the card.
Ms Dixon said that this is not just a transparency requirement but also in the interests of maintaining confidence in the system.
The statement added that the commissioner sought that the Department of Social Protection publish a comprehensive FAQ to clarify matters relating to the card.
This is expected to be published shortly.
Speaking on the same programme, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald called on the Government to introduce legislation to deal with what she calls the complexity of legal issues surrounding the Public Services Card.
She said the Government needs to be transparent in its actions, and that she suspects the Government's "real intent" is to introduce a national ID card.
Yesterday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the Public Services Card is not and never will be a national identity card. He also said that there are no plans to introduce such a card.
He said he does not agree with the characteristic of a national ID card which allows police and the army to ask people to show it.
He said there is a legislative basis for the Public Services Card and that it is a real benefit for citizens because it will allow services to be delivered efficiently and help identify and eliminate fraud.
Mr Varadkar also said that there will be consequences for anyone who misuses personal data and he will respond to the concerns of Ms Dixon.
