It is not unreasonable to ask for a PPS number

Perhaps your column writer Alison O’Conner (Irish Examiner, November 7) makes a valid point that to come down on the ‘plus’ side of the water charges debate is now almost seen as akin to the proverbial turkey voting for Christmas?

So perhaps I might be allowed to raise the separate issue of applicants having to give PPS particulars to Irish Water on the application form.

It seems that this ‘request’ from Irish Water is viewed by some as akin to being asked the most personal and private information for no particular reason whatsoever. Are people really concerned that their PPS numbers are somehow going to be utilised by Irish Water for some nefarious reason? Whatever about the rights or wrongs of water charges, can someone enlighten me as to the point of refusing to supply the PPS number so that allowances can be allocated?

And are some public representatives trying to regain ‘hardline’ political currency (while having supporting the water charges previously) by now appearing to be on the side of the protesters at all costs? Is it because of the next election that they want to have an ‘appropriate’ reply on standby to the question “where did you stand on the water charges question?

Kevin McCarthy

High Meadows

Gouldavoher

Co Limerick