Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In respect of Deputy Kenny's first question, the NESC has carried out such an analysis and has produced a recent report on migration policy. This report provides the Government with a comprehensive review of a recent experience of substantial immigration and assesses its impact on the Irish economy and society. It makes several strategic recommendations about the policies that must be adopted if migration is to be successfully managed. NESC's analysis found that the effects of migration to date have been largely positive. While significant challenges remain to protect migrants from exploitation — I am sure they enjoy mobility in the Irish labour market — it concludes that migration, to date, has increased our economic growth rate and standard of living, and has widened the range of services that are available. The report endorses the Government's policy on sourcing low-skilled workers from within the EU 25, while a limited level of low-skilled migration from outside the EU takes place through high quality programmes. The analysis, which is based on extensive research, consultation and an analysis of the Council, comes to a number of high level policy recommendations of which I will mention a few.

The first is the need to clarify our approach to migration, focusing on three broad goals: economic and social development, the rule of law and the integration of migrants into economic, social, cultural and civic life.

Second, the report proposes that the definition of migration policy should be extended beyond the traditional focus on channels of entry and eligibility for social services. It should encompass a range of equally important issues, including labour market practices, social policies and policies for integration of migrants.

Third, a whole Government approach to migration policy is required, supported by appropriate institutional arrangements. This would reflect the reality that, like many other policy issues, migration cuts across a range of Departments and agencies. The Government is already addressing some of these issues through the Employment Permits Bill and the Immigration (Residence and Protection) Bill, which is being examined. There are a number of other proposals. To answer the Deputy's question, this is an in-depth analysis of the whole issue. It is useful in moving towards implementing anything that is not already there, including issues of education, integration and others.

A decision will have to be made on Romania and Bulgaria following the Foreign Affairs Council next week or the week after. It is likely that they will announce the date for Bulgaria and Romania and countries will finally have to make up their minds and state their positions. We will have to do so too. On numerous occasions, I have said that this is a decision we will take in conjunction with the social partners and we will check with them. I am disappointed that, to date, many countries have not opened up to the extent we have and continue to do. Many Bulgarians and Romanians are already coming into this country as a result of the implementation of our permits legislation. Whether we open up completely is an issue about which we need to be very careful. We have been and continue to be good Europeans. We can examine our approach as per the work permits if we need to open up, but we will have to discuss the matter and come to a final decision. I am watching what other countries are doing also, although we have to make our own decisions.

The debate on consumer issues concerns the social partners who took part in the discussions to a greater extent than others this time. Some consumer bodies and environmental groups have applied for membership, an issue which is currently up for discussion. Those issues are being taken into account. The issue of competitiveness is the work of the Competitiveness Council. That work is proposed by the employer bodies themselves as well as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. There is plenty of focus on the issue of competitiveness and maintaining our position but in relative terms the business climate is still enormously positive. While inflation is up, by and large due to energy issues, our productivity, growth and unit labour costs are still extremely attractive compared with any other country.

See this speech in context