Waiting for a public services card

Sir, – Last week, while attempting to sort out tax credits online, I discovered that I needed a public services card, memorably described a few years ago by then-minister for social protection Regina Doherty as “mandatory but not compulsory”. Obtaining one of these cards requires appearing in person at an Intreo (public services) office.

The vast majority of the offices in the capital operate on a walk-in basis, so I made a point of being at the one nearest my office shortly before the advertised 9.15am opening. I was told that I was 16th in the queue, and that I should come back at about 2pm.

I returned at the requested time with things to do, which is probably just as well as I wasn’t seen until 3.15pm. As far as I could see, only one of the 12 desks was staffed.

I suppose I should consider myself lucky that I was able to get the card at all; while waiting I overheard a member of security advising a hopeful that it was best to be outside the door at least an hour before opening in order to have a good chance of getting a slot on the same day.