Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Even before the British Government's statement it was evident the argument was threadbare. I refer to a letter to The Irish Times by Mr. Tom Hadden on 14 April. Mr. Hadden who is an expert in this area stated quite clearly that there was no problem. What Deputy Rabbitte says about various soccer players and other sports stars is beside the point. It could be said equally of any other EU member state as the grandfather rule applies in every one of them.

See this speech in context