Letters to the Editor: Being treated as a human, not a statistic, restores faith in public service

One reader protests with his pen against the atrocities in the Middle East, while another suggests supporters of the Sale of Alcohol bill spend a 12-hour shift at a hospital emergency unit

People need to feel they matter when accessing services.  Picture: Larry Cummins

The embarrassment of being put off the bus in front of my neighbours, with an out-of-date public service card with very small print was facing me, having not received a letter I was informed was posted to me pre-Christmas.

A quick internet search for a number to ring was easy. The pre-recorded message informed me that all lines were busy and an “agent” would be with me as soon as possible. Eventually, my call was answered, followed by a number of questions including what was my mother’s maiden name. I was advised to contact my local Intreo Centre (Dept of Social Protection). I didn’t relish doing so based on past experience.