The Bill before the House contains a provision that allows for a possible reintroduction of a need for employment permits if there should be a labour market shock warranting such measures. The presence of this clause in no way means that I have a pessimistic assessment of our economic prospects in the coming years, or that I expect an unmanageable influx of migrant workers from the new member states. It is, however, a prudent measure as we move into a new phase in EU enlargement and an uncertain economic climate. Not to avail of the option of a safeguard measure would mean that domestic legislation would in fact be more liberal than the treaties governing the European Union in respect of the freedom of movement of EU workers. It would also run counter to assurances given by the Government in the context of the second referendum on the Nice treaty. Other member states have also indicated that they will avail of safeguard measures allowed by the accession treaty.