Government announces social welfare restrictions

The Government has announced new restrictions for access to social welfare payments.

EU migrants will be obliged to prove they have lived in Ireland and the UK for at least two years, in order to make a claim here.

The move is in line with measures announced by the British government last week.

According to Minister Mary Coughlan, EU citizens are welcome to come here and work.

She said however that people cannot claim social welfare unless they have been a resident for two years.

Ms Coughlan said the measures were to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system does not become overburdened.