Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I will speak on the issue to which Senator Leyden referred, the use of the word "grant". Far be it from me to have a disagreement with my dear friend but that is what I will have because I do not agree with the points he made. It is highly improbable that huge numbers will be waiting to come to Ireland on 4 May 2004. All of those living in the accession countries will be seeking to make their own countries profitable and develop exports in order that they can flourish in their own right. All things being equal, who would want to travel to another land all of a sudden? It is a highly improbable tale.

We are either for the European Union or we are not. While we have succeeded in adopting the Nice treaty, we cannot be pro-European Union in one part of our public life and anti in another because it does not make sense to hold such a view. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in her Second Stage speech and a recent radio interview, affirmed that the Government would watch the labour market. It is understandable that we would not wish available jobs to be taken up but the Department and the Minister will keep a watch on the market and if there is a disturbance or it becomes lop-sided or skewed, the necessary measures will be taken – this is common sense. A watching brief will be held between now and May 2004 to see how our markets and those of the accession countries are performing in order that reasonable estimates may be made about how many might wish to come to Ireland.