Ireland benefiting from openness to new EU citizens

Ireland is benefiting economically as a result of opening its borders to migrants from the 10 new EU states, according to a European Commission report published today.

Ireland, Britain and Sweden were the only three EU states that agreed to allow unrestricted access to their jobs market for citizens of the accession countries.

The other 12 decided to delay the measure, fearing negative effects from a flood of migrant workers.

Today's report says Ireland, Britain and Sweden have all enjoyed high economic growth and falling unemployment as a result of their decision.

Ruth Deasy, a spokesperson for the EC in Ireland, said other EU states should now follow suit and lift restrictions on workers from the new member states.