Brennan sees no reason to restrict arrival of EU migrants

Minister for Social and Family Affairs Seamus Brennan has defended the policy of allowing migrants from the 10 newest EU states to work freely in Ireland.

An opinion poll this morning showed that more than three-quarters of voters want such immigrants to be forced to apply for work permits.

However, asked about the matter this morning, Mr Brennan said he saw no need to restrict the arrival of migrant workers from eastern Europe.

"These people deserve to be treated properly in Ireland, they deserve to be welcome here," he said.

"They're young people who come here for fairly short periods to do work and that's what Irish people have done all over the world for generations.

"It wouldn't be right for us to start with any kind of serious restrictions."