Alternative to citizen tagging seems worse

IN a world where the idea of privacy is almost as quaint as a pony-and-trap jaunt from The Quiet Man, it may seem pointless to express concern over the announcement, yesterday, by Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty, that a person must have a public services card if they want to use the services provided by her department. 

Though acknowledging that this edict does not have the force of law, Ms Doherty added that other government departments will, in time, make a card mandatory, if services are sought.

This sleight-of-hand introduction of national identity cards may not mean they are a legal requirement, yet. But, as per the woman in her 70s who was denied her pension entitlements because she declined to register for a card, abstention carries a cost. Whether this bureaucratic compunction can withstand an almost inevitable court challenge remains to be seen.