DUBLIN, Ireland: People in Ireland are being invited to help test a new digital wallet app designed to let people safely store and use documents such as birth certificates and driving licenses. 

It could also help them apply for government support, such as family payments.

The app may also be used to check the age online. Tánaiste Simon Harris has suggested this, saying that children under 16 should not use social media following the Grok AI issue.

Under EU rules, the Irish government must have a digital wallet ready for public services by the end of this year, and for private services by 2027.

Public testing will start in early April and is seen as very important to make sure the app meets people's needs.

In the first stage, people can choose to take part by reviewing the app's design, learning about its features, providing feedback, and signing up for further testing.

In the second stage, people aged 16 and older can download the app and try out some of its features.

People can sign up for testing on the government website.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Public Service Reform Jack Chambers said the app will make it easier for people to prove their identity, apply for support, and access services.

He said that personal data will be safe and that users will control what information they share. Only the necessary details will be shared for each service.

He added that major life events, such as having a baby, moving house, or starting a new job, often require dealing with many government offices. The digital wallet aims to make this process quicker, easier, and more secure.

The government also wants feedback from consumers to help improve the app's appearance and functionality, so it can better support everyday life.