Irish workers are facing a ‘dire future’

FÁS — the State training agency — is now preparing Irish workers for export because of the downturn in the economy.

The FÁS seminar on new job opportunities for Irish workers in other European countries indicates the dire future facing the Irish workforce.

When a State training agency has to promote work opportunities for Irish tradesmen like plumbers, builders and electricians in foreign countries, it is an indication of the so-called free movement of labour.

The fact is this free movement of labour will lead to many Irish workers being forced to travel to mainland European countries in search of jobs.

In competing with many other nationalities in a huge labour pool, the workers will be forced to accept lower pay rates and will have to endure appalling conditions. The role of the FÁS agency in shipping out Irish workers from their homes and loved ones must be condemned as akin to forcing them onto modern-day coffin ships.

Des Long

52 Shannon Banks

Corbally

Limerick