Backing enlargement all the way

GIVING the green light to citizens from ten new EU member states to live and work in this country freely from day one of their accession in May 2004 is ample proof of Ireland’s commitment to the enlargement of Europe.

The Government’s decision to introduce new legislation to this effect is a positive and welcome initiative. It will send out the right message about the openness of the labour market here and signal the ongoing need for skilled workers in the Irish economy.

Doubtless, the many sceptics who fought the Nice referendum on grounds that it would open the flood gates to foreign workers are sure to say ‘I told you so’.