MEPs back compromise service directive

THE controversial Services Directive cleared its first hurdle when the European Parliament voted for it by a clear majority.

The result could see German undertakers offering funerals in Ireland, Irish doctors setting up nursing homes in Italy and Hungarian firms dealing with weekly rubbish collection.

A compromise by conservatives and socialists in the Strasbourg parliament saw the death of the country of origin principle where workers could be bound by the rules and wages of their home country even in wealthier member states.