Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The EU ensured that we were not all just a collection of workers toiling to feed an economy but were rather a collection of citizens whose economy worked for our society. It was Europe that dragged Ireland into line on issues such as workers' rights, health and safety protections, equality for women and a raft of other anti-discrimination measures. That is what makes the country of origin principle so disappointing.

The Minister will be aware that our international reputation took another hit last month when the Polish edition of Newsweek reported that Ireland was a "living hell" for some Poles who arrived expecting to be able to pick and choose jobs because of misinformation but instead found themselves sleeping rough and living on charity. The Polish Embassy has suggested that approximately 10,000 Polish people living in this country are experiencing difficulty. The country of origin principle will only make this situation worse.

That said, I hope that those who are using the country of origin principle as a stick with which to beat the EU will desist. I also appeal to those who rightly oppose the country of origin principle not to let it blind them to the very good aspects contained in the services directive. I hope the electorate will not be fooled by those who are ideologically opposed to the EU, to competition, to free markets and to consumers' rights into thinking that everything they say on this issue can be trusted.

Ireland is the very last country in the world that should be afraid of globalisation. Given our history, Ireland has nothing to fear. Open markets have given us jobs, prosperity and ended the twin scourges of unemployment and emigration. Ultimately, I am in favour of the harmonisation of EU labour law if we have proper minimum rates of pay, a properly resourced labour inspectorate and proper worker health and safety legislation in place. A harmonised labour law would end the misery of millions of workers in poorer countries where protections are minimal.

It is worth remembering that the country of origin principle is largely credited with defeating the European constitution in the referenda in France and the Netherlands. The repercussions are that important. It threatens to undermine support for the European Union in general and unless Europe and this Government listen to the people who have expressed fears in this regard, they will lose their trust and support.

I am heartened by the news that a substantial number of amendments have been tabled to the directive. I understand there are 1,500. However, I fear that the ongoing debate at the higher echelons of the Union is giving the distinct impression that the EU cares too much about the interests of big business and not enough about workers. We must attain the appropriate balance in order to bring the citizens of Europe with us on this particular issue to achieve the necessary savings for European consumers without damaging the standards we have all aspired to and ensuring that our protections for consumers and workers are in line with the motion's proposals.

I am disappointed the Minister did not feel it appropriate to accept the motion and send the unanimous message of the House to the European Parliament and to the Commission that Ireland is in favour of a services directive but that changes are necessary, particular in respect of the country of origin principle, if it is to meet Irish conditions.

See this speech in context