Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We must always be careful of the language we use, particularly on migration. Before the last general election the main political parties worked together to keep the lid on that situation. Deputy Quinn would have been involved in that. Life goes on and we must all work together despite temptation. Deputy Andrews asked two "haymakers" and I do not have time to deal with them in terms of my ultimate view of the European idea, the enlargement project and how far it can go. On the former, at times I wish Europe would better embrace some of the founding principles, such as the free market and opening up the internal market. There is an occasional outburst of economic nationalism when it affects some of the major players and this causes a lack of consistency. Member states should embrace the Lisbon Agenda more enthusiastically. Europe is not moving fast enough to respond to the profound transformation of the world in terms of competitiveness and globalisation. Europe tends to be too inward looking and this could undermine our future competitiveness. The enlargement project will continue to strengthen, which has benefits for Ireland, including political stability. As we are outward looking and export almost everything we produce, we depend on a liberal world market.

Deputy Allen asked about workers' rights. The social partnership process will result in an enhancement of the compliance mechanisms at our disposal to ensure compliance with workers' rights. On EU accession by Bulgaria and Romania, the European Commission still has issues with both countries and has deferred judgment on whether they accede until autumn. On the financial limits raised by Deputy Lynch, my Department does not impose financial limits. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform deals with migration issues although as a result of the passage of the work permits legislation and the Immigration Bill we will have a more family-friendly policy on immigrants.

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