Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 6, subsection (2), line 14, after "Slovak Republic" to insert "and any other state which, after the passing of this Act, becomes party to an instrument whereby it accedes to membership of the European Union".

The purpose of this amendment is to allow any state to enjoy the advantages of the provisions of this Bill, which, after the passing of this Act, becomes party to an instrument whereby it accedes to membership of the European Union. It would seem sensible to deal with future members of the EU as well as the ten scheduled to join next year since that would avoid the need for further legislation. I would be interested to hear the Minister of State's comments.