Articles like the Ireland one show just how much of a mess we are in. Why can't we just get to a global standard of Chip+Pin and be done with it?
We need to get it to where the store clerk does not handle the card, ever. Customer initiates the whole transaction and the PIN authorizes it so there is no need for a signature check or to "key the last four digits of the card number" after a swipe.
Actually most stores here who want to have the last four digits just ask verbally what are the last four digits, after I swipe the card. Since I reported them all for requiring ID years ago, they don't look at the card anymore. I guess that is ok.